Overview

When a resident is struggling, effective support requires a personalized approach. Programs must meet residents where they are—academically, emotionally, and within the context of their lived experience—through individualized, thoughtful strategies. This workshop highlights innovative, case-based approaches to resident performance improvement from four residency programs around the country, that reflect the diverse needs of today’s learners. Drawing on real cases, the workshop will show how targeted interventions were developed to address challenges in clinical reasoning, medical knowledge, professionalism, and interpersonal and communication skills. This interactive, case-based workshop presents innovative, real-world strategies developed at programs representing different regions, institutional structures, and sizes. The session will begin by showcasing evidence-informed tools to accurately diagnose the root cause of a resident’s struggle—within the context of their learning environment, personal background, and insight—before developing a tailored improvement plan. Strategies include the use of simulation and virtual reality to enhance diagnostic reasoning skills, reflective journaling guided by a clinical teaching framework to support growth in professionalism and communication, and a structured board preparation elective for residents at risk of exam failure, all rooted in individual learning needs. Participants will be introduced to each case through brief didactics before engaging in structured breakout activities to explore approaches to performance improvement within their own institution. They will receive practical tools that can be adapted to their own context. The session will end with a facilitated large group discussion to share perspectives, refine ideas, and discuss insights and takeaways, building a supportive learning community.

Speakers

Rebecca Newman, MD
Heather Bartz, DO, FACP, FAAP
Suman Pal, MD
Cassie Shaw, MD

Content Track

Administration

Audience

GME

Program Type

University-Based, Community-Based

Additional Information

Year Published: 2025 - APDIM Fall Meeting 2025