The Impact of Coaching on Those Who Coach in Academic Medicine

As coaching increases in Academic Health Centers (AHCs), a deeper understanding of its benefits is needed. One gap is understanding potential impact on coaches themselves. As coaching is grounded in principles of Appreciative Inquiry (positivity begets positivity), coaching may also benefit coaches. Answering this question will allow for broader assessment of return on investment of coaching programs.

The authors developed an electronic survey using the theoretical framework of appreciative inquiry, collecting demographics and elements of the burnout scale rating (BSR), value of work rating (VWR), job satisfaction rating (JSR), and free-text benefits of being a coach. Using convenience sampling, the survey was distributed to coaches of physicians through author affiliations with coaching groups and listservs from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA), an international coaching organization, and an AHC coaching group. Quantitative data were descriptively analyzed. Free-text answers underwent inductive thematic analysis.

Eighty-nine of 433 survey viewers (21%) completed it. The majority feel valued, experience minimal feelings of burnout, and endorse job satisfaction. Analysis identified three major benefits: personal fulfillment, interpersonal benefit, and professional growth and advancement.

Coaching positively impacts coaches themselves, adding evidence for its use in AHCs. Many coaches find their work deeply fulfilling as it aligns with their values, enhances self-awareness, and improves their wellbeing by fostering mindfulness and personal growth. Additionally, coaching strengthens their communication and leadership skills leading to better interactions with patients and trainees, professional development, and more effective leadership.