Learning About ‘Transformational Heroes’ and More at AAPL’s Winter Institute

Physician leader Don “Coydogg” Kennedy hangs some of his surfing-symbolic principles during the association’s annual educational gathering, which begins Jan. 25 in Orlando.

Using surfing as a metaphor for leadership, Don Kennedy, DO, PhD, MBA, CPE, helps physicians “paddle out to find your perfect wave.” His principles are lauded for developing socially conscious leaders, as known as “transformational heroes.”

Kennedy, a member of the American Association for Physician Leadership since 1996, will share his philosophy during the organization’s 2018 Winter Institute in his hometown of Orlando, Florida.

His luncheon presentation, "Listen: How to Become a Transformational Hero and Leader," is among the highlights of the event, Jan. 25-28 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.

Dr. Don Kennedy will speak on “How to Become a Transformational Hero and Leader" at a Saturday luncheon during AAPL’s Winter Institute.

The Institute features networking events and a full slate classes for physicians working toward certifications, including AAPL’s Certified Physician Executive program.

Outside the classroom, events include the MaxWorth lunch session at 11:30 a.m. Friday, a networking reception at 5 p.m. Friday, and various dinner discussion groups on each of the four days.

Kennedy will speak from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, in the hotel’s Oceans ballrooms 5 and 7.

Attendees must sign in for each course and register for special events through AAPL’s new leadership dashboard. This institute marks the first time in which registration and claiming of continuing medical education credit will be done through the dashboard.

Attendees with questions about the dashboard or course pre-work can email info@physicianleaders.org.

Kennedy, 66, was among the four physicians leading AAPL’s transformational “Beyond Burnout & Resilience” workshop at the organization’s Fall Institute in Arizona.

His latest book, The Surfer’s Journey, is a research-based story that meshes surfing and principles of transformational leadership. In it, he teaches readers, students, educators and leaders how to become and develop others into transformational heroes.

“Transformational heroes stay calm, they’re realistic, they do what they are supposed to do and they don’t freak out,” Kennedy, who goes by the surfer’s moniker of “Coydogg,” says in one of his many YouTube videos. “Don’t freak out. It’s not worth it…. Your life will be better when you learn from it.”

Kennedy, who 30 years of experience in family and geriatric medicine, developed a love of surfing growing up in Florida. He was a founder and CEO of three family medicine practices, and set up and managed urgent care centers. At 52, he began work toward his master’s degree in business and completed a PhD in leadership in 2015.

Registered institute attendees may pick up their badges at the AAPL service center in the hotel. Association staff will be there to answer questions.

The Renaissance is at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, adjacent to the SeaWorld attraction. From Orlando International Airport, take westbound State Road 528 to southbound International Drive. Sea Harbor Drive is a mile south on the right. The hotel phone number is (407) 351-5555.