This year, the annual Department of Surgery faculty retreat was held virtually on Friday, Apr. 30 and focused on leadership development.

The department invited two distinguished guests – Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School Justin M. Dimick, M.D., MPH, and Professor and Chair of Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Caprice C. Greenberg, M.D., MPH. Both guests spoke and led workshop activities on improving leadership skills.

Dimick examined the fundamental state of leadership and defined key attributes that affective leaders cultivate. In breakout rooms, faculty shared personal examples of leaders that have made a difference in their lives and expanded on four key leadership characteristics: other focused, externally open, internally directed, and results centered.

Greenberg expanded on the idea of redefining outcomes metrics and how surgical coaching can be a valuable tool for performance improvement. As co-founder and president of the Academy of Surgical Coaching, Greenberg challenged the faculty to set an individual surgical goal and identify ways to improve upon that skill.

Greenberg notes that the use of a surgical coach, similar to a professional mentor, can help shed light on concerns and ways to improve. Meant to enforce a key leadership skill, this self-reflective exercise nurtured emotional intelligence skills and was well received. 

If you were unable to attend and wish to watch the talks, please contact Jenni van der Kamp for a link to the recorded retreat.