SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Group Coaching for Physician Moms: A Pilot Program

Pdf Summary

This pilot project evaluated a 6-week group coaching program designed specifically for physician mothers at Northwestern Medicine. The program was created in response to well-documented burnout risks among women physicians, including workload, lack of autonomy, difficulty balancing work and family, and limited social support at work. Research cited in the poster suggests that coaching can reduce burnout and emotional exhaustion while improving resilience, quality of life, work engagement, self-compassion, and psychological capital.<br /><br />The coaching curriculum addressed six themes: understanding one’s “why” for medicine, identity as both physician and mother, integrating those roles, stress management, setting boundaries and managing time, and leadership development for women physicians. The goal was to provide practical strategies and community support for participants.<br /><br />Qualitative feedback from participants was highly positive. All participants said the program was valuable and that they would recommend it to others. They reported immediate benefits in both personal and professional areas, felt the program positively affected their lives, and appreciated the group format, which helped them feel more connected to other women physicians. Several testimonials highlighted improvements in burnout symptoms, time management, boundary setting, perspective, and willingness to delegate. Participants also noted that hearing others’ experiences generated ideas they would not have reached alone, especially in a supportive group setting.<br /><br />Overall, the conclusion was that group coaching may be a useful wellness intervention for physician mothers and should be considered by health care organizations seeking to improve physician wellbeing.

Asset Subtitle

Maria Theodorou

Meta Tag

Author List Gaurava Agarwal, Julia Vermylen, Logan Pause, Maria Theodorou, Tiffani Darling, Yara Mikhaeil-Demo

Category Innovations

Concept Burnout

Concept Physician Mother

Concept Workload

Concept Group Coaching

Concept Autonomy

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Presenting Author Maria Theodorou

Track Other

Keywords

physician mothers

group coaching

burnout

women physicians

wellness intervention

work-life balance

stress management

boundary setting

leadership development

Northwestern Medicine

Burnout

Physician Mother

Workload

Group Coaching

Autonomy