Leadership certificate program for chief residents

Background. Chief resident leadership development programs need to be more than a one/two day symposium to sustain leadership development. This article describes the structure and outcomes for an eight-month leadership development program for chief residents conducted over the past three years at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC), USA. Additionally, it provides keys to success and logistical issues for any institution that is considering a similar program.
Innovation. Current chiefs must formally apply in late August. Sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month for two hours. Facilitators guide each session in such a manner that they allow participants to do most of the discussion. Facilitators also provide opportunities for insight from other chiefs, and provoke deeper understanding of behaviors or thoughts. Eight topics are covered during the year with intersession assignments. Additionally, chiefs are required to attend 75% of the sessions, develop a leadership philosophy, and conduct some type of leadership presentation within their own department.
Evaluation. Each year since 2010, the number of participating chiefs has risen (6, 9, 9). Evaluation data indicates a marked increase in before and after leadership knowledge and self-awareness. Additionally, chiefs have reported positive behavioral impacts regarding their leadership. Chiefs are the best advertising source for the program.
Conclusions. The leadership program continues to evolve and evaluation results indicate that the content is instructive and the format is supportive for participants. Most chiefs recommend it highly for future chiefs.