International Masters for Health Leadership (IMHL)
The McGill IMHL is designed for professionals in the health sector who want a transformational leadership experience that reshapes how they see systems, people and change.
Ideal for those with management experience, the program attracts mid- to senior-career clinicians, executives, policymakers, innovators and global‑health practitioners seeking to broaden their perspective and accelerate their leadership trajectory.
Eligibility and application process
Start Date:
Fall 2027
Duration:
12 months
Applications are open
Location:
3 modules online (synchronous)
1 International module
1 module in Montreal, Canada
Discover our program video
As a cohort-based program, the program integrates core management disciplines into a cohesive, health-focused framework that emphasizes real-time application and peer-driven learning.
Five 11-day modules (3 online, 2 in-person), delivered in under 12 months, followed by a master's paper, leading to a Master of Management degree from McGill University.
McGill University's International Masters for Health Leadership (IMHL) is designed to address the current and future leadership and management challenges facing health systems worldwide. Grounded in five distinctive managerial mindsets (reflective, analytic, worldly, collaborative, catalytic), the McGill IMHL is delivered within a globally diverse cohort. Join our program and gain the leadership confidence required to drive meaningful change in complex health environments.
Strategic health leadership
Strengthen your ability to lead change in complex health environments through rigorous reflection, evidence‑informed frameworks and real‑world application. Build the strategic clarity and leadership capacity needed to shape healthier organizations, systems and communities.
Global health perspective
Gain a comprehensive view of how health systems are delivered, governed and managed worldwide. The program’s globally integrated curriculum explores diverse policy contexts, organizational models and health system structures — building a truly international perspective
Collaborative learning
Join a class of colleagues in a peer-to-peer learning learning setting where ideas and experiences are shared and shape how you learn and grow. Expand your network and increase your ability to collaborate with diverse approaches and contexts.
Dynamic Leadership
Professor Henry Mintzberg's approach to management through mindset based pedagogy grounds the experience in the McGill IMHL. Working in a peer-to-peer environment, our pedagogical approach is unique and will help you prepare and grow for your next steps in healthcare leadership.
“The intention of the IMHL is simple: to change how health care is managed worldwide by having a profound impact on the people who manage it.”
- Professor Henry Mintzberg
Hear from our community
"McGill has boundless potential and played an important part in my own professional development."
Dr. Joanne Liu (IMHL 2014)
Director, McGill Pandemic and Emergency Readiness Lab (PERL); Former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF);
"The IMHL program has equipped me with a transformative set of skills and perspectives, which I have applied in my professional endeavours. "
Mohammed Mohammedi (IMHL 2019)
Chief of Field Operations & Emergency, UNICEF Ethiopia
"The IMHL provided structured, advanced learning in leadership, strategy, systems, and organizational change."
Abdullah AlOlayan (IMHL 2026)
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs at the College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Explore more student and alumni stories
Top 5 reasons to join the McGill IMHL
- Choose a transformative, mindset based approach to health leadership that integrates reflection, analysis, collaboration, global context and action
- Learn from real-time application of concepts through a pedagogy that emphasizes practice, peer learning and problem-solving between modules
- Build a deep understanding of global health systems by engaging with an international cohort and exploring diverse health systems, policy contexts and organizational structures
- Develop advanced leadership skills through structured reflection, interdisciplinary integration, and a focus on relationships, systems and change
- Benefit from a holistic, integrated curriculum that unites key management disciplines within a uniquely health-focused leadership framework
Continuing Medical Education recognition
McGill IMHL courses are recognized professional development activities certified by the Canadian College of Health Leaders, eligible for up to 50 Section 2 credits in MAINPORT (Royal College of Canada) or 50 CMQ hours.
or
50 Section 2 credits
Is the IMHL program right for me?
The McGill IMHL is designed for experienced health professionals ready to deepen their leadership impact, broaden their global perspective and drive meaningful change in complex health systems. Our participants come from clinical, administrative, policy and industry backgrounds, united by a commitment to transforming healthcare delivery.
Key features of the IMHL
- Curriculum built around the five Managerial Mindsets: Reflective, Analytic, Worldly, Collaborative, and Catalytic.
- A global, diverse learning cohort representing multiple countries, health systems, and professional backgrounds.
- A blended program structure with in‑person and synchronous online modules, enabling professionals to continue working while studying.
- A pedagogy focused on real-time application, peer learning, and reflective practice.
- Access to McGill’s international network of faculty, health leaders, alumni and partner organizations.
Upon completion, you will gain
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A Master of Management degree with a specialization in health leadership
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Deep insight into global health systems and the ability to navigate complexity with confidence and clarity.
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Enhanced leadership capabilities across reflection, analysis, collaboration, systems thinking, and change management.
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A powerful international network of peers and mentors in healthcare leadership.
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The tools, frameworks, and mindset needed to drive meaningful change across your organization, community, and health system.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs, join an information session or connect with us today.
Leading the future of healthcare
McGill IMHL graduates move into influential leadership roles across health systems, hospitals, government, international organizations, and health-focused NGOs and companies, driving policy, organizational transformation and improved health outcomes worldwide.
Our graduates have assumed various roles including:
- Health System Executive (CEO, COO, VP, or Director roles)
- Director / Manager of Health Services or Clinical Operations
- Policy Advisor or Health Policy Director
- Global Health Program Leader (NGO, UN, WHO, etc.)
- Director of Quality, Patient Experience, or Health Innovation
- Public Health Leader or Population Health Strategist
- Consultant (Health Systems, Strategy, Organizational Development)
- Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Medical Officer, or other clinical leadership roles
Curriculum for real-world health impact
Built around five distinctive managerial mindsets, each module of the McGill IMHL is dedicated to applying concepts and frameworks directly to challenges in your own community for immediate and practical impact.
Learning from and across our cohorts
Our program brings together colleagues and faculty from around the world. Our participants represent a wide range of organizations from healthcare, academia, government, and global institutions.
Our program brings together participants from across the globe, representing diverse sectors and a wealth of experience
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