Leadership in General Surgery Residency: The Impact as Seen by Former Program Directors.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Leadership Development

Background:

• The role of the General Surgery Program Director (GSPD) is crucial for surgical residency training.
• While the importance of the GSPD role is recognized, its impact on the individuals in the position has not been extensively studied.
• Understanding the personal and professional effects on GSPDs is essential for supporting these leaders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the individual and professional impact of the General Surgery Program Director role.
• To gather insights from the perspectives of former GSPDs.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with 19 former GSPDs from May to September 2023.
• Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach with iterative consensus.
• The study was IRB exempt and conducted virtually at Wellspan York Hospital.

Main Results:

• Five recurring themes emerged from the GSPD interviews: leadership development, relationship building, necessary proficiencies, transactional aspects, and transformational aspects.
• Participants highlighted significant personal growth and the acquisition of essential skills through their experience.
• The role was found to be both personally fulfilling and professionally beneficial for future career stages.

Conclusions:

• The General Surgery Program Director role profoundly shapes leadership skills, necessitates diverse proficiencies, and relies on strong relationship building.
• The position offers both transactional and transformational experiences for the program director.
• Serving as a GSPD provides lasting personal fulfillment and a positive professional impact on a surgical educator's career trajectory.