Leadership development is more than titles and advancement—it’s a continual process of growth, self-discovery, and adaptation. Part two of our Lifecycle of Leadership series with the Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM) explores how leaders find their voice, navigate common pitfalls like micromanagement and impostor syndrome, and learn to delegate with purpose. Seasoned leaders, Peter Catinella, MD, and Jehni Robinson, MD, FAAFP, discuss the challenges of introverts and extroverts, the importance of mentorship, mastering the language of leadership, and balancing impact with well-being. Our guests offer real-world insights on leading with clarity and intention while embracing progress over perfection.

Hosted by Omari A. Hodge, MD, FAAFP and Jay-Sheree Allen Akambase, MD
Copyright © Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2025

Resources:

• Emerging Leaders Fellowship
• Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship
• Family Medicine Leadership Development Opportunities
• Leadership Opportunities - How to get involved at STFM
• ADFM Leader Development Committee -  Resources from the Leader Development Committee for New & Interim Chairs
• ADFM LEADS Fellowship

Peter Catinella, MD

Dr Catinella has over 30 years of experience in several academic institutions, and currently serves as the as Department Chair at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso Department of Family Medicine-Transmountain. His prior leadership positions included serving as the Chief Medical Information Officer at the University of Arizona’s Health Network and the Clinical Vice Chair in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Arizona-Tucson, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs at the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah and as Director of its Public Health Program, and residency program director at Indiana University. He recently chaired the Leader Development Committee of the Association of Departments of Family Medicine and was a member of its Board of Directors during that tenure.

Dr Catinella received his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and his Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Jehni Robinson, MD, FAAFP

Dr Jehni Robinson is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Associate Dean for Primary Care at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. She is President of the Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM). Dr Robinson led development of a new Family Medicine residency, graduating its first class in 2024 and co-founded USC Street Medicine Program in 2018, which brings care to unhoused people in Los Angeles. She received the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Advocate Award for this work .  Prior to coming to USC, she served as Chief Medical Officer for The Saban Free Clinic, also known as The Los Angeles Free Clinic, and taught in the Harbor UCLA Transforming Primary Care Faculty Development Fellowship. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She comple