Engaging senior residents as leaders: a novel structure for multiple chief roles

The chief resident's role encompasses administrative, academic, educational, and social responsibilities and is traditionally filled by a small number of residents who are charged with various administrative and educational duties. These duties lay the groundwork that prepares chief residents to assume future leadership positions.

We propose a new model for multiple chief residents. In this system, there are leadership roles for resident and medical student education, ultrasonography, resident research, and high-fidelity simulation in addition to the traditional administrative roles. This model can be modified to match the needs of a given program and the aptitudes of the senior residents.

We describe the successful implementation of this model at our program, which has resulted in a progressive curriculum, increased resident leadership, and program ownership among the residents.

Our intervention offers an alternative model for overcoming some of the limitations of the traditional chief resident model, including some chief residents who become overwhelmed by their duties and are discouraged from pursuing future leadership roles. It also has the potential to offer other senior residents with various skills and leadership abilities the opportunities to contribute to their program.