to advance their careers without interfering with their autonomy and
professional expertise. "Effective coaching programs align with these
cultural priorities," says Dr. Pradarelli.
• Based on respect. One of the most important aspects of the
coach-coachee relationship is respecting the professionalism of the
surgeon who seeks help. "We don't yet know who makes an ideal
coach or an ideal pair," says Dr. Pradarelli. "But based on other indus-
tries in which coaches have had success, and from expert opinions in
surgical coaching literature, mutual trust and respect, and establishing
a rapport, are very important factors in a successful coaching relation-
ship."
• Focused on individual needs. Surgeons can rely on peers to learn
new surgical techniques or how to operate with new technologies, but
mastering nontechnical skills are just as important for safe patient
care and good outcomes.
"Surgeons are recognizing that they haven't received formal training
in how to best communicate decisions to surgical team members,
leadership skills, teamwork behaviors and situational awareness
about what's happening outside of the surgical field," says Dr.
Pradarelli. "They might now ask for feedback on how they're commu-
nicating with the anesthesia provider and nursing team throughout
the case."
Surgical coaching
Unlike continuing education courses offered online or at conferences,
coaching is personalized training focusing on what individual sur-
geons want to improve upon, says Adrienne Faerber, PhD, executive
director of the Academy for Surgical Coaching
(surgicalcoaching.org) in Madison, Wis., a non-profit organization
that trains surgeons how to coach — which requires a different skill
Professional Development
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