Certified Physician Development Coach - Spring 2026 Cohort

Overview of the Educational Activity The Comprehensive Physician Coaching Program is designed to equip physicians and healthcare professionals with evidence-based coaching skills that support professional development, physician well-being, and improved communication within healthcare teams. The program integrates structured instruction, mentor coaching, and applied learning experiences to build practical competencies that can be implemented in clinical and organizational environments.

Participants engage in a series of educational sessions focused on core coaching competencies, leadership development, reflective practice, and systems-based approaches to physician support. The curriculum includes didactic instruction, case-based discussions, peer learning, mentor coaching sessions, and capstone projects designed to reinforce real-world application.

Research demonstrates that structured physician coaching interventions can improve resilience, communication, and team performance while helping mitigate burnout and turnover among clinicians. The program therefore addresses a critical need within healthcare systems to support physician well-being, leadership development, and patient safety culture.

Identified Educational Need Physicians frequently experience high levels of stress, burnout, and leadership challenges that can impact both professional satisfaction and patient care. Despite these challenges, many physicians receive limited formal training in coaching, reflective practice, and interpersonal leadership skills.

Evidence from the medical education literature demonstrates that structured coaching programs can improve clinician engagement, psychological health, and professional development while strengthening teamwork and communication within healthcare organizations.

In addition, national healthcare quality initiatives emphasize the importance of communication, competence evaluation, and team-based performance improvement in advancing patient safety and healthcare quality.

This program was developed to address these needs by providing physicians with structured coaching frameworks and practical tools that can be applied in clinical practice, leadership roles, and peer-to-peer development environments.

Educational Objectives At the completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to: Describe the core competencies and principles of professional coaching in healthcare settings. Apply evidence-based coaching techniques to support physician development and well-being. Integrate coaching strategies into clinical leadership and professional practice. Evaluate the impact of coaching interventions on communication, teamwork, and patient safety culture.

Educational Design The program uses a blended educational model that includes: Interactive lectures and facilitated discussions Mentor coaching sessions and peer learning Case-based coaching demonstrations Reflective exercises and professional development planning Capstone projects that apply coaching principles in real-world healthcare environments This design allows learners to progress from knowledge acquisition to competence development and practical implementation. Independence and Content Integrity This educational activity is planned and implemented in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. These standards require that accredited education remain independent of commercial influence and present balanced, evidence-based information that supports safe and effective patient care. All individuals in a position to control content disclose relevant financial relationships, and any identified conflicts of interest are mitigated prior to the educational activity. Evaluation and Outcomes Measurement Program effectiveness will be assessed using participant evaluations and outcomes reporting. Evaluation mechanisms include: Session-level learner evaluations Self-reported changes in competence and intended practice change Qualitative feedback on educational impact Evaluation data will be reviewed by the accredited provider to determine whether the educational activity met its objectives and to inform future program development. Expected Impact By developing coaching competencies among physicians, this program aims to improve professional resilience, leadership effectiveness, and team communication within healthcare settings. Ultimately, strengthening these skills can contribute to improved clinician well-being, enhanced collaboration, and better patient care outcomes.