UAB Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Professor Kimberly Hendershot, M.D., FACS, was recently selected as a coach for the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Coaching Program.
The program pairs female surgeons who are established in their careers with female surgical residents. The program aims to reduce burnout and foster meaningful relationships between coaches and trainees.
“Burnout among surgical trainees is a challenging problem facing hospitals and programs nationwide, and studies show that it disproportionately affects women,” the website states.
As a Professional Development coach, Hendershot will participate in three coach training sessions. She will then be assigned two residents.
“One of the reasons for the AWS Coaching Program is to help support trainees (and faculty) with well-being and avoiding burnout,” Hendershot explains. “Understanding yourself and the tools you have at your disposal will help you during times of difficulties and stressful circumstances. Stressors are certain but struggle is optional. It’s about reflecting on the situation and harnessing your strengths to approach the issue in a healthy, positive way. Hopefully as an AWS Coach I can help my coachees see this.”
Hendershot has a proven passion for mentoring students, residents, and fellows. She serves as the Co-Director of the UAB Women in Surgery Program and Director of Education for the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
She explains that the AWS Coaching Program is uniquely different than traditional mentoring.
“I really appreciated all the mentors that helped me along the way, so I try to do the same for trainees I now encounter,” Hendershot said. “And it is so satisfying when a trainee succeeds and knowing that I played a small part in that. But it’s interesting (now that I’ve gone through some of the initial Coaching training) how mentoring and coaching are different. I actually had no idea how distinctly different they are. Mentoring is more like advising, usually done by someone who’s been there and done that. Think: here’s how to succeed in this aspect of your career path because I’ve been there. Coaching is more like a tugboat, a supporter, a guide. Think: helping someone get where they want to go. Coaching is more about listening and asking clarifying questions to help the coachee better understand their goals, motivations, and strengths.”