Variations in Demonstrated Emotional Intelligence: Trainee to Experienced Faculty Member

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Development
• Emotional Intelligence Research

Background:

• Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for effective medical practice and leadership.
• Understanding EI differences between trainees and experienced physicians can inform targeted development programs.
• Pediatric critical care requires high levels of EI due to complex patient cases and team dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare emotional intelligence (EI)-related competencies between fellows and faculty in pediatric critical care.
• To identify specific EI strengths and areas for growth in each group.
• To establish a baseline for advancing physician EI and leadership in this specialty.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, cross-sectional study assessed 47 pediatric critical care physicians (19 fellows, 28 faculty).
• The Emotional and Social Competency Inventory 360 (a multirater EI assessment tool) measured 12 EI competencies.
• Competencies were classified as strengths or areas for growth, stratified by experience level (fellow vs. faculty).

Main Results:

• Fellows' EI strengths included organizational awareness, achievement orientation, and teamwork.
• Fellows' areas for growth were influence and emotional self-awareness.
• Faculty demonstrated additional strengths in adaptability, emotional self-control, coaching, mentoring, positive outlook, inspirational leadership, and influence compared to fellows.

Conclusions:

• This study offers the first characterization of EI competencies in pediatric critical care trainees and faculty using a validated multirater tool.
• Physician EI competencies vary significantly with experience, providing a foundation for future leadership development.
• Targeted interventions can enhance EI in physicians, improving patient care and leadership effectiveness.