Coaching is partnering with residents in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaches are different in that they do not drive the trajectory of coaching and outcomes are resident driven. Coaches utilize active listening, reflective techniques, insightful questioning, and thought-provoking discussion to instigate self-reflection and awareness that leads to the resident’s personal and professional growth. The goal is to support residents in aligning inner values and personal strengths with leadership behaviors to build confidence, enhance professional fulfillment, and maximize outcomes.
– Adapted from International Coaching Federation; Coaching is Not Academic Advising (3/31/21) and the UAMS Executive Coaching Program
The Pediatric Resident Coaching Program launched in January 2024, replacing
the previous advisor program. Coaching is unlike advising or mentoring; there
is an increased emphasis on promoting resident-driven sessions that foster
self-reflection, awareness, and professional growth.
Coaches attend a three-hour training session led by Vice Chair of Faculty
Affairs Dr. Renee Bornemeier, then participate in annual trainings to hone their coaching skillset. Residents meet with their coaches four times each year (twice per semester), and are paired with their coach for the duration of their residency.
Goals of the coaching program
- Provide a durable, confidential, and supportive relationship between an individual faculty member and a pediatric intern or resident.
- Encourage resident self-reflection and awareness to build confidence and promote personal and professional growth.
- Demonstrate Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics’ commitment to a resident personal and professional development.
- Provide psychosocial support to interns/residents.