Ozioko Onyinye Mary, a higher education doctoral student and medical education practitioner, presented the award‑winning scholarly work, “Piloting Creative Approaches to Advance Transformational Leadership in Medical Education,” which received Best Presentation award – Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at the 2026 Knowledge & Creativity Expo hosted by Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The work makes an original contribution by advancing creative, participatory, and learner‑centered leadership frameworks. It demonstrates that transformational leadership in medicine must be intentionally embedded in curriculum design, mentorship structures, and institutional culture to promote ethical practice, adaptability, and collaborative problem‑solving among future physicians.
The research shows how creative leadership approaches can drive institutional renewal and help medical schools respond to workforce shortages, technological change, and evolving healthcare demands. The recognized contribution highlights the critical role of medical education in shaping leadership behaviors with lasting national and international impact on healthcare.
Mary’s poster won the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies – Best Presentation award!
