Develop academic coaching skills in medical education with AMA video resources

Coaching has long been a prominent feature of the business world, but it’s now being integrated into medical education.

1. Academic coaching is different from advising and mentoring

   Students and educators are likely well-versed in academic advising and mentoring, which are distinct from academic coaching. Advising tends to be more directive and process-oriented, such as mapping out how to apply for a fellowship. Mentoring involves sharing personal knowledge and expertise to holistically nurture professional relationships.

   Academic coaching takes a different approach to career development. Coaches help learners identify goals, create a plan to achieve them and cultivate skills of self-management and self-reflection.

2. Medical education is still mastering academic coaching

   As a new frontier in medical education, coaching fundamentals may seem ambiguous to faculty and administrators. That’s where the AMA Academic Coaching in Medical Education Video Series comes in.

   The following nine short video modules—which can be accessed for free on the AMA Ed Hub—identify the competencies, skills, and approaches of successful academic coaches alongside examples of what not to do.

   Educators at any point in their career can use these videos to become more effective medical education leaders.

3. AMA video series on medical academic coaching

   Each eight- to 12-minute video from the AMA is intended for any educator in a medical setting, particularly if you are clinical faculty working with students or residents. The list of topics is as follows:

   1. Med Ed Coaching Basics

      Learn to differentiate the roles of coach, advisor, and mentor and how to get ready for your initial coaching meeting.

   2. Relationship Building

      Discover how to build a meaningful coaching relationship, including the value of preparation.

   3. Portfolio Coaching

      Learn how to define “Master Adaptive Learner” and what questions might help elicit reflective behavior from your coachee.

   4. Skills Coaching

      Discover components of effective communication and how to help develop a learner’s emotional intelligence.

   5. Well-Being Coaching

      Find strategies for helping your coachee cultivate well-being and professional fulfillment.

   6. Coaching the Struggling Learner

      Explore how to incorporate co-creative brainstorming to facilitate problem-solving.

   7. Coaching the Excelling Learner

      Identify when to seek help when working with a highly successful learner.

   8. Coaching the Disengaged Learner

      Familiarize yourself with techniques that can be used to engage a reluctant learner.

   9. Appreciative Inquiry Model

      Learn the value of the 5D approach: define, discover, dream, design and deliver.

   As these video modules demonstrate, coaching is a co-creative effort to help learners reach their full potential. By honing your skills as a coach, you’ll be better equipped to help your coachee achieve their goals.