Oct 5, 2026
Advisory Council Spotlight: Gloria D. Thomas
A spotlight on higher education leader and HERS President — Gloria D. Thomas, PhD.
Read spotlight →Satcher Health Leadership Institute · 20th Anniversary · Morehouse School of Medicine
Become a Changemaker in Health Equity.
Twenty years developing the diverse health leaders, research, and policy solutions needed to close the health equity gap across the United States.
Who We Are
Twenty years of leadership for health equity.
In 2006, as president of Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. David Satcher, the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, founded the Satcher Health Leadership Institute to be a transformational force for health equity in policy, leadership development, and research.
SHLI's mission is to develop a diverse group of exceptional health leaders, advance comprehensive health system strategies, and actively promote policies and practices to reduce and eliminate health disparities.
Read our story →Founded 2006
Where you're born shouldn't decide whether you get to live a healthy life.
Dr. David Satcher
Founder
SHLI 20th Anniversary
Celebrating 20 years of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute
Founded in 2006 by Dr. David Satcher, the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, at Morehouse School of Medicine, SHLI has spent two decades developing health leaders, research, and policy work. Leaders Dr. Satcher mentored are sharing what his guidance has meant to them.
2006
Founded by Dr. David Satcher at Morehouse School of Medicine
23
Programs implemented across nearly two decades
900+
Learners engaged in SHLI leadership training
20
Institutions engaged through SHLI partnerships
Our Focus
Four fronts for closing the health equity gap.
01
Develop Diverse Health Equity Leaders
Cultivating a diverse pipeline of emerging and current health equity leaders and scholars equipped to lead across sectors.
02
Advance Health Equity Policy Research
Innovating and advancing comprehensive, evidence-based health equity-focused policy research and discoveries.
03
Eliminate Health Inequities
Promoting policies, processes, and practices that eliminate health inequities and achieve health equity for all populations.
04
Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
Building, streamlining, and leveraging key partnerships that inform and advance SHLI's vision and mission nationwide.
Current Programs
What we do, on the ground.
ASTHO
Developing Executive Leaders in Public Health Program
The DELPH program enhances leadership visibility, networking opportunities, and career advancement for mid- to senior-level public health professionals.
Learn more →Georgia Thrives
Ending the HIV Epidemic
In this together to end this together. Through educational opportunities, collaborative partnerships, resources, advocacy, and active community engagement, SHLI wants to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to THRIVE.
Learn more →Medical Cannabis Health Equity Initiative
The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, in partnership with the Kessler Foundation, leads a comprehensive initiative focused on advancing medical cannabis research, policy, and access for populations 65 and older and vulnerable communities. This groundbreaking collaboration brings together researchers, policymakers, and advocates to develop evidence-based solutions that address health equity challenges in cannabis healthcare delivery.
Learn more →AMA
Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship
The Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is a collaborative educational initiative to empower physician-led advocacy that advances optimal health for all people and communities.
Learn more →RWJF
RWJF DEI HBCU Medical School Program
A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative advancing health equity by developing diverse healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, with a focus on social and political determinants of health.
Learn more →Advisory Council Spotlight
Meet the people advancing DEI in the health professions
As SHLI deepens its partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s DEI in Health Professions initiative, we’re introducing the Advisory Council members driving that work nationally.
Aug 31, 2026
Advisory Council Spotlight: William Jahmal Miller
A spotlight on healthcare executive, board director, and public policy leader — William Jahmal Miller.
Read spotlight →
Jun 30, 2026
Advisory Council Spotlight: Brandon G. Henry on Building Pathways into Health Professions
A spotlight on Professor Brandon G. Henry, RWJF council member and his deep commitment to advancing science education and community engagement.
Read spotlight →Our National Reach
Twenty institutions. One mission.
SHLI's leadership programs, fellowships, and research partnerships span academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations across the United States.
Where you're born shouldn't decide whether you get to live a healthy life.
SHLI's Executive Director search is ongoing — this section will be updated with current leadership once confirmed.
Twenty years of transformational work. What comes next is up to all of us.
Whether you're a student, a researcher, or a partner institution — there's a place for you in this work.