Peer Coaching for Change: A Guide for Chief Residents to Foster Excellence and Mitigate Burnout

Medicine's demanding culture prioritizes perfectionism and increases burnout risk. Effective leadership in medicine is crucial for patient care and team performance, making coaching a valuable tool to counter rising burnout rates. Near-peers, such as chief residents, are often best primed to be optimal coaches since they are less likely to be in an evaluator role and are less far removed from resident daily work. During this workshop, presenters will define coaching and highlight key differences from other roles, including advisor and mentor, and will review and debrief cases highlighting effective and ineffective coaching strategies. Participants will reflect on prior coaching experiences to identify the strengths and weaknesses of ideal coaches in medicine. The workshop will explore how coaching can be a tool to combat burnout and foster resiliency in the workplace, specifically within an internal medicine program. Presenters will outline the key components of an effective coaching relationship, like coaching alliance, goal setting, and feedback. Participants will be provided tools to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals for their chief year, and practice peer coaching. At the end of the workshop, participants will understand the role of a coach in medical leadership, the benefits of coaching in health care, key components of an effective coaching relationship, and skills for self and peer coaching.