Coaching Program

Coach training for faculty to improve skills related to collaboration and constructive review of educational experiences

  • Description

    The Coaching Program reinforces the AO principle of feedback by training faculty to act as coaches in addition to their roles as faculty members. This program was established in 2012 and has been further developed and expanded over time.

    Today, the Coaching Program includes pre-course online activities consisting of a self-assessment as well as readings and discussions. The online pre-course is followed by a structured training session, after which the participants are able to provide faculty coaching at any clinical AO course.

    Coaching is a process that enables learning and development to occur and thus performance to improve. Being a successful coach requires knowledge and understanding of the coaching process as well as the variety of styles, skills, and techniques appropriate to coaching contexts.

    This invitation-only program is designed to help you prepare for success as a coaching faculty and consists of: 

    Online preparations—Three weeks prior

    Participants prepare for the face-to-face event with online self-assessments and self-study materials. Interaction is encouraged via the online forums.

    Face-to-face event—Single day

    Participants take part in interactive group sessions with a focus on coaching skills related to the AO principle of feedback.

    Coaching practice at AO North America courses

    Participants will practice observing faculty members and providing constructive feedback for improving performance.

    Online follow-up

    Participants perform a final self-assessment and are encouraged to contribute to ongoing online discussions with their peers.

  • Learning objectives
    Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to
    Objectively observe all aspects of faculty members' performance

    Assess the faculty performance based on agreed criteria (e.g., checklist)

    Apply "went well—next time" feedback protocol for coaching session (and FAST concept)

    Use active listening and appropriate communication techniques to create a safe environment

    Set a goal for the coaching session and be able to assess and adapt goals according to coachees needs and current abilities

    Identify and address real problem areas when they are perceived to exist without destroying the safe environment

    Conclude with a specific action plan, e.g., commitment to change

    Apply strategies such as identifying specific examples to address general issues and using solution focused questions to promote meaningful change in the faculty teaching performance

    Apply reflection on their own coaching session to improve their skills continuously

    All faculty competencies
  • Prerequisites

    Participant must

    • Hold a current clinical division membership
    • Be an approved clinical division faculty member
    • Have completed the Faculty Education Program (FEP)
  • Who should attend

    Faculty who are interested in learning coaching skills and wish to be assigned as a coach at AO courses.

  • Location, time, and tuition

    Venue(s)

    • TBD

    Date and time

    • TBD 

Course Chairs

Michael Baumgaertner, MD

Yale University School of Medicine

Gregory Berry, MD, FRCSC, MSED

McGill University

Gregory J. Della Rocca, MD, PhD, FACS

University of Missouri

Carla Smith, MD, PhD

St. Luke's Health System

Brian Cross, DO

NOVA Southeastern University

Lisa R. Blackrick, MD, MS

Memorial Hospital - Jacksonville, FL

Educator

Chitra Subramaniam, PhD

Chief Learning and Strategy Officer, AO North America