A leadership development program for surgeons: First-year participant evaluation

Abstract

Structured Abstract Background In a dynamic healthcare system, strong leadership has never been more important for surgeons. Little is known about how to effectively design and conduct a leadership program specifically for surgeons. We sought to critically evaluate a Leadership Development Program for practicing surgeons by exploring the strengths and weaknesses of program components on surgeons’ development as physician-leaders. Methods At a large academic institution, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 surgical faculty members who voluntarily applied, were selected, and completed a newly-created Leadership Development Program in December 2012. Interview transcripts underwent qualitative descriptive analysis with thematic coding based on grounded theory. Themes were extracted regarding surgeons’ evaluations of the program on their development as physician-leaders. Results After completing the program, surgeons reported personal improvements in the following 4 areas: self-empowerment to lead, self-awareness, team-building skills, and business and leadership knowledge. Surgeons felt “more confident about stepping up as a leader” and more aware about “how others view me and my interactions.” They described a stronger grasp on “giving feedback” as well as “business/organizational issues.” Overall, surgeon participants reported positive impacts of the program on their day-to-day work activities, general career perspective, as well as their long-term career development plans. Surgeons also recommended areas for potential improvement for the program. Conclusions These interviews detailed self-reported improvements in leadership knowledge and capabilities for practicing surgeons who completed a Leadership Development Program. A curriculum designed specifically for surgeons may enable future programs to better equip surgeons for important leadership roles in a complex healthcare environment.

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