Physician Coach Training is an accredited coaching program designed for busy physicians who want to develop coaching skills that enhance leadership, patient care, peer support, and more. The comprehensive Physician Coach Training program is a Level 1 accredited International Coaching Federation (ICF) coach training course, ideal for physicians embarking on the path to becoming an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Jeffrey Smith, MD, FACS, PCC, is the Director of Education and an ICF Mentor Coach.
If you’re not ready to commit to the full program, learn the coaching mindset with Intro to Coach Training. This introductory course allows you to experience the training firsthand, earn 15 coach credit hours, and receive four AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Hours.
For a customized program tailored to your needs, contact SurgeonMasters to get started.
Training content is on-demand with LIVE practice coaching and feedback from colleagues and coaches. (Register for a free trial!)
Reasons to attend Physician Coach Training:
- Strengthen Peer Support – Coaching competencies form the foundation of strong peer support.
- Amplify Leadership Impact – Coaching skills enhance performance and wellness of team members.
- Develop a Growth Mindset – The coaching model promotes deeper thinking and strategic planning.
- Start a Side Business – Start a coaching business, coach for a third-party, or coach for your organization.
- Become a Wellness Officer – Integrate a coaching culture in your hospital or system.
- What Else? Complete the form below or schedule a call for more information.
Physician Coach Training Accreditation
Become an Associate Certified Coach (ACC)!
Physician Coach Training is a Level 1 accredited International Coaching Federation (ICF) program and is a path to becoming an Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
The ICF is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. The ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
Earn 12.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM
Amedco LLC designates this material for a maximum of 12.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learning Objectives
- Coach peers to maximize their personal and professional potential in a way that’s consistent with their values and beliefs.
- Apply recognized coaching ethics and standards of professionalism in client-focused coaching relationships.
- Partner with clients to create mutual understanding of the coaching process, individual sessions, and long-term goals for the coaching relationship.
- Build trust and rapport with clients to maximize the benefit of the coaching relationship.
- Create a safe, supportive environment where sharing confidential information openly and honestly supercharges client potential.
- Practice active listening, powerful questions, paraphrasing, and other coaching core competencies to raise client awareness, generate insight, and brainstorm new ideas.
- Partner with clients in a coaching relationship to transform insight and awareness into moving forward action steps.
Physician Coach Training Schedule:
Start on any date and complete training at your own pace!
Live practice coaching and education sessions are scheduled for several hours each month.
- First Thursday of each month from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Eastern, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pacific.
- Third Sunday of each month from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Pacific
- Vote by Doodle Calendar to determine additional 1-hour practice coaching times.
We understand the physician lifestyle is not predictable and schedules change at the last minute. For that reason, we created the program with on-demand independent study content and a flexible practice coaching schedule.
How to Participate in Physician Coach Training:
Physician Coach Training is structured in (8) eight, 7.5 hour modules. In each module, participants engage in a deliberate practice cycle to develop their skill set.
STEP 1 – Review Module Independent Study – Articles, coaching studies, and videos introduce module skills.
STEP 2 – Watch Module Skills Videos – Coaching skill videos reinforce and further the skills introduced in the independent study.
STEP 3 – Practice Coaching with Cohort Members – Apply what you learned in the independent study and skills videos during LIVE practice coaching sessions.
Ready to get started? Register today!
8 Physician Coach Training Modules
Description
In Module 1, you will learn the fundamentals of physician coaching. We will explain what coaching is, how it differs from other support professions, and offer tips for creating coaching relationships with clients. Additionally, we will cover standards of practice and ethics of coaching.
Objectives
- Describe the importance of coaching ethics, standards of practice, such as maintaining confidentiality with client information per stakeholder agreements and pertinent laws.
- Explain what coaching is, is not, and describe the coaching process.
- Distinguish between coaching, consulting, counseling, and other support professions, and refers to other professionals when appropriate.
- Partner with clients to create a coaching relationship and process, which leverages one’s inner passions and purpose to create goals and strategies to bring extraordinary and sustainable results.
Module Agenda
- Independent Study
- Reading #1
- Reading #2
- Video #1
- On-Demand Video Review
- What is Coaching – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Why High Performers Use Coaching – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- How To Be Coached – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Passion for Performance Improvement – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
In module 2, you will learn the importance of a coaching mindset. We will discuss how to develop and maintain a flexible coaching mindset, as well as the importance of understanding the influence of context and culture on learning. Additionally, we will talk about how to utilize outside resources to enhance your coaching skills over time.
Objectives
- Acknowledge that clients are responsible for their own choices and actions.
- Describe a coaching mindset that is:
- Open, curious, flexible, and client-centered.
- Models ongoing personal and professional development.
- Reflective to enhance one’s coaching.
- Self-aware and intuitive to benefit clients.
- Emotionally aware and regulated.
- Develop and maintain a coaching mindset.
- Identify the influence of context and culture on learning.
- Explore outside resources to enhance coaching.
Live Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Reading # 1
- Video Review #1
- Video Review #2
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- Developing a Coaching Mindset – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Be Open, Curious, Adaptable and Client-Centered – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Deliberate PRACTICE – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
A safe supportive environment is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship. We explore the relationship from determining coach-client compatibility to creating the agreement to co-creating the relationship while aligning with client experiences, values and beliefs. Expect to discuss and practice many coaching skills for developing rapport, mutual respect and cultivating trust within the coaching relationship.
Objectives
- Partner with clients to understand and adapt to their identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs, to use language respectful to them and all relevant stakeholders, and to consistently apply coaching ethics and standards.
- Partner with clients to create a safe, supportive environment that allows the client to freely share feelings, perceptions, vulnerabilities, concerns, beliefs and insights in order to build a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
- Acknowledge and respect the client’s unique talents, learning style, insights and work in the coaching process
- Demonstrate support, healthy empathy, and concern while maintaining detached involvement and objectivity.
- Demonstrate openness and transparency as a way to display vulnerability and build trust with the client.
- Partner with clients and relevant stakeholders to create clear agreements about the coaching relationship, process, plans and goals overall and with each session.
Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Reading #1
- Reading #2
- Reading #3
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- The Coaching Partnership – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Developing Trust and Building Rapport – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Managing Emotions in Coaching – Terri Malcom, MD, CPE, ACC
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
In Module 4, we focus on establishing coaching goals, and working with your client to develop a rhythm. Coaches will learn how to partner with clients to create coaching plans with measurable goals. We will also explore how to manage emotions and remain present with your client during any given coaching session. It’s important to always remain focused, compassionate, and responsive, while leaving necessary space for silence and reflection – even when it’s uncomfortable.
Objectives
- Partners with the client and relevant stakeholders to establish and maintain a coaching plan with measurable goals.
- Works with the client to identify and reconfirm what needs to be addressed in the session and define measurable goals for tracking success in the long-run.
- Continues coaching according to the plan developed with the client unless the client indicates otherwise.
- Remains focused, compassionate, and responsive to the client during the coaching process.
- Manages one’s emotions and stays present with the client during the coaching process.
- Maintains confidence and comfort with the client in a space of not knowing.
- Allows space for silence and reflection, whether comfortable or uncomfortable.
Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Video #1
- Article #1
- Article #2
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- Partnering to Set Achievable Goals – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC, ACC
- Finding Rhythm of a Coaching Partnership – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC, ACC
- Having Presence in an Uncomfortable Space – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC, ACC
- Group Coaching Practice
Module 5 Description
We focus on the development of active listening and raising awareness in the coaching relationship. Coaches will learn to listen deeply and engage with the client in order to facilitate self-expression and continued learning. Ultimately, the goal is to work directly with the client and guide them in generating new ideas.
Module 5 Objectives
- Consider the Client’s environment, identity, experiences, values, and beliefs to enhance your understanding of what the Client is sharing.
- Demonstrate active listening with paraphrasing, reflection, and summarizing using the Client’s words, tone, and body language to ensure understanding.
- Focus on what the client is and is not saying to support client self-expression.
- Integrate powerful questions, silence, metaphor, or analogy to evoke awareness and facilitate Client insight and learning.
- Ask questions that challenge the Client to explore values, beliefs, needs, wants, and ideas beyond current thinking.
- Involve the Client in generating ideas including what they are willing and able to do to move forward.
- Share observations, insights, and feelings without attachment that have potential for positive reframing, new learning, forward progress, and next steps.
Module 5 Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Article #1
- Video #1
- Article #1
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- Paraphrasing, Reflecting, and Summarizing to Confirm Understanding – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Asking Insightful Questions – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Coaching to Broadens Horizons – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
Module 6 focuses on facilitating client growth by turning insight into action. Coaches will learn to support continued learning during and between sessions by developing goals, actions, and accountability measures with their clients. The module will help coaches empower their clients to be autonomous and develop a concrete action plan to move forward.
Objectives
- Partner with the client to integrate new awareness into the client’s worldview, facilitate growth, and transform insight into action.
- Support client autonomy in the process of crafting goals, actions, and helps identify potential results and measures of accountability.
- Ask the client how to move forward, including helpful resources, support, and potential barriers to success.
- Summarize learning with the client during or between sessions.
- Celebrate client progress and success before closing the session.
Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Article #1
- Article #2
- Article #3
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- Establishing Accountability – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Accelerating Client Growth – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Inspiring Action – Robert Carr, MD
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
Now that you know HOW to coach, how do you go about the business of coaching? Whether you’re coaching residents in your academic practice, or planning on establishing a private coaching side business, there are key principles to consider. Module 7 introduces the business of coaching by looking at establishing coaching agreements, operations and logistics, and creating your coaching message.
Objectives
- Demonstrate ethical coaching practices that exude personal integrity in interactions with clients, coaching sponsors, and relevant stakeholders.
- Create clear coaching agreements that describe the coaching relationship such as confidentiality, process, possible desired outcomes, scope, fees, scheduling, session duration, cancelations, termination, and other critical aspects.
- Exercise best practices for each client based on mutual understanding, including session and coaching goals.
- Partner with the client to end the coaching relationship in a way that honors the experience.
- Develop a coaching message / image consistent with your desired coaching practice.
Agenda
- Independent Study:
- Article #1
- Article #2
- Article #3
- On-Demand Video Presentations:
- Establishing Agreements – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Operations and Logistics – Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, CPC
- Creating Your Coaching Message – Michelle Mudge-Riley, DO
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
Description
Physician Coaching is a collaborative relationship with core coaching principles and ethics that drive successful partnerships. In our final module, participants put it all together, showcasing their coaching skills, and partnering with peer clients to create moving forward action steps. We will revisit and reexamine a client’s passion for performance improvement. Finally, we discuss and practice how to close the relationship in a manner that honors the client experience.
Objectives
- Recognize a client’s unique identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs to drive engagement in the coaching relationship.
- Use language appropriate and respectful to clients, sponsors, and relevant stakeholders.
- Practice key coaching principles and coaching ethics to maximize client relationships.
- Demonstrate ethical coaching practices
- Embody a coaching mindset
- Establish and maintain agreements
- Cultivate trust and safety
- Maintain a coaching presence
- Listen actively
- Evoke awareness in clients
- Facilitate client growth
- Outline the entire client life-cycle from beginning to end based on our ideal clients.
Module Agenda
- Independent Study Review
- Article #1
- Video #1
- Article #2
- Practice Coaching with Feedback
- Practice Coaching Session with Review from Mentor Coach
Earn 24 CME Hours!
Joint Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and SurgeonMasters. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
Amedco LLC designates this material for a maximum of 24.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity
Physician Coach Training Fees:
Physician Coach Training
60 Hours of On-Demand & Live Training-
On-Demand Independent Study
-
On-Demand Skills Training
-
LIVE Practice Coaching
-
7+ Hours of Group Mentor Coaching
-
24 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
-
Physician Coach Training Certificate
-
Physician Coaching Community
Physician Coach Training
60 Hours of On-Demand & Live Training + Mentor Coaching-
Physician Coach Training Certificate
-
On-Demand Skills Training
-
LIVE Practice Coaching
-
3 Hours of 1-on-1 Mentor Coaching
-
7+ Hours of Group Mentor Coaching
-
24 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
-
Level 1 Physician Coach Training Certificate
-
Community of Physician Coaches
Mentor Coaching
10 Hours of ICF Mentor Coaching-
Up to 10 Hours ICF Mentor Coaching
-
3 Hours of 1-on-1 Mentor Coaching
-
7+ Hours of Group Mentor Coaching
-
Written and Verbal Coaching Feedback
Questions about Physician Coach Training?
Carla Smith, MD describes her coach training experience:
Carla on what we should know about training.
Carla on what she has noticed after training.
Carla on how she will apply coach training in her career.
Director of Education - Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC
I am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with more than 750 1-on-1 client coaching hours and 300 hours of coach training experience. I am also the Director of Education at SurgeonMasters and a mentor coach.
I started my journey into coaching in 2012 when I wasn’t enjoying my surgical career because I had no time; I was too stressed; and I was trained to prioritize my patient’s care over my own well-being. At times, I was approaching burnout, but most of the time, I was just not able to feel the enjoyment of such a great career. Now, I’m still clinically active, coaching other high performing surgeons, and training other surgeons to coach in a high performance model. Email Jeff@surgeonmasters.com to learn more.
I hope to see you in Physician Coach Training!
Your registration in a course is dependent upon receipt of full payment. We accept payment by (Credit Card, Venmo, Check, or Bank Transfer). All payment will be in USD.
Refund Policy
Cancellation of a registration must be made before beginning the training to be eligible for a full refund. Written notice of cancellation shall be effective on the date the withdrawal is received by SurgeonMasters. Refunds will be made within 5 days following receipt of cancellation or withdrawal requests.
Registration Modifications
Modifications to registration, including substitutions of participants or transfer of course dates, must be completed at least seven days before the program date. Participants may contact SurgeonMasters to modify their registration at Team@surgeonmasters.com. Course changes will be allowed as long as there are spots available.
Disability
General Disability Policy SurgeonMasters supports individuals with disabilities and is committed to providing disabled individuals access to reasonable accommodations. In addition, SurgeonMasters prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and ensures equal opportunity for all qualified individuals with disabilities. SurgeonMasters is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in compliance with all local, state/territory, and federal laws. Individuals with questions about this policy, or who wish to request accommodation should contact the SurgeonMasters Team (Team@surgeonmasters.com).
Able to accommodate learning disability:
Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment which meets the needs of each individual student. We will always do our best to accommodate a variety of learning disabilities to make our program more accessible. Please contact the SurgeonMasters Team (Team@surgeonmasters.com) before enrolling to determine if your needs can be met.
DEIJ Statement
The ICF Global Board of Directors approved the ICF Statement of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice in July 2020. Staff and volunteer leaders from ICF’s six family organizations subsequently cosigned the statement. SurgeonMasters approves and promotes the ICF Statement of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice.
“We will place diversity, inclusion, belonging and justice at the forefront of every decision we make within our Association. As we continue the journey toward our vision, we will recommit ourselves to valuing the unique talents, insights and experiences that every coach and client brings to the world.”
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of SurgeonMasters that:
- Recruitment and hiring of all personnel is conducted without discrimination against any individual with regard to race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All staff and personnel will not discriminate against any employee or participant because of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All individuals are welcome to participate regardless of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
- All employees, students, and other participants should be able to enjoy an environment free of discrimination and harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination or harassment in the areas of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or veteran status. SurgeonMasters does not and will not tolerate conduct by any employee, student, volunteer, contractor, visitor, or vendor which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s ability to learn in a welcoming environment.
Participants who wish to report discrimination are encouraged to follow the grievance policy outlined listed here on the training website. SurgeonMasters is committed to promptly investigate all claims and reports of inappropriate conduct.
SurgeonMasters seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to attempt to solve any grievances in a timely and fair manner. Participants have the right to file a grievance regarding presentation or content, facility concerns, or instructor/faculty behavior. All grievances will be addressed to the best of our ability to prevent further problems. A process for filing grievances can be found below:
- A participant should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the educator/trainer, staff, or participant with whom they have an issue. If participants are not comfortable approaching the individual, they can proceed to step 2.
- If participants are not comfortable approaching the individual with whom they have a grievance, or are unable to resolve the issue directly, participants should submit a written grievance to the program manager within (60) days. The program manager will review the issue and talk to the student within (14) days of receiving the complaint. The program manager will work with all parties involved to resolve the issue.
If a participant does not feel the issue is resolved, a written request for an appeal should be sent to the SurgeonMasters Team (Team@SurgeonMasters.com) for review. This appeal should include the original complaint and reason(s) the participant is unsatisfied with the resolution attempt(s). Appeals are reviewed and a written response will be provided to the participant within (30) days. All appeal decisions are final.
Success in Physician Coach Training requires full commitment by all participants. By enrolling in this course, participants agree to be fully present during all sessions and participate to the best of their ability. This includes being present in training, abiding by the code of conduct, and engaging thoughtfully in training activities.
Attendance
In order to provide you with the minimum required training hours for certification, it is important that you complete all of the required components. If you have an emergency or become ill and are not able to complete training, please contact your instructor and SurgeonMasters representative immediately. You will be expected to complete all training materials to graduate.
Course Engagement
Physician Coach Training is designed to be interactive and engaging for our participants. It is therefore an expectation that you participate in course activities, including dialogue with the course instructor and peers, mock coaching activities, and experiential learning exercises. If you are unable to participate in an activity, please inform your instructor as soon as possible. Please refer to the code of conduct for additional details.
Code of Conduct
Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during all sessions. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Arriving on time to all sessions.
- Attending all live sessions and mentor coaching sessions.
- Having your camera on for virtual live sessions.
- Participating fully in all sessions and mentor coaching sessions. This includes being prepared for the session, involving yourself in discussions and activities, assuming responsibility for your learning, and contributing to the learning of others.
- Engaging in discussions with integrity and honesty.
- Being respectful of your fellow participants and instructors, including silencing your cell phone, not texting, and other disruptive behaviors.
- Embracing diversity and inclusion while respecting the dignity and humanity of others.
SurgeonMasters will offer credit for partial completion of a course. The number of hours awarded will depend on the number of hours of curriculum completed. If you are interested in receiving partial credit for a course in which you are currently or were previously enrolled, please contact the SurgeonMasters Team at Team@surgeonmasters.com. Please include details about the course in which you were enrolled, the number of credit hours you are seeking, and any additional relevant information. If approved, you will receive a certificate of credit from SurgeonMasters indicating the number of training hours completed.
In order to provide you with the minimum required training hours for certification, it is important that you complete all of the required components. If you have an emergency or become ill and are not able to complete training, please contact your instructor and SurgeonMasters representative immediately. You will be expected to complete all training materials to graduate.
All training sessions are scheduled on a monthly basis. There is no expiration date on your participation in Physician Coach Training.
Petitions to this policy are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing to the instructor and SurgeonMasters.
As an ICF Accredited provider, our organization adheres to and emphasizes the International
Coaching Federation Code of Ethics. The ICF Code of Ethics describes the ICF core values, ethical principles, and standards of behavior for all ICF professionals. Meeting these ethical standards of behavior is the first of the ICF core coaching competencies. You can read more about the ICF Code of Ethics here.
Additionally, SurgeonMasters commits to acting with integrity and transparency. We hold ourselves and our participants to the highest level of integrity and strive to be as transparent as possible by explicitly stating measures being taken to provide programs in an ethical manner. We do not believe in using manipulative or dishonest sales tactics and strive to provide a safe and ethical sales process. Further, we work to provide fair and equitable pricing for all programs to ensure access and quality of coaching education.
Physician Coach Training is only delivered in English at this time. We will provide reasonable accommodations to any Physician Coach Training learner. Please contact Team@surgeonmasters.com for support.
Schedule: Every month we schedule 5 – 6 hours of practice coaching sessions on video-conference to practice coaching with other participants. A staff member will email a calendar to vote on your available days and times.
Delivery Method: Training content is available on-demand by logging in to the website. If you are unable to log in, please contact Team@surgeonmasters.com.