Qualities Important in the Selection of Chief Residents

Abstract

Background Chief resident selection occurs by numerous methods. Chief residents also fulfill multiple roles, requiring a broad skill set. However, there is little literature on which qualities various stakeholders value in chief resident selection. The objective of this study was to identify the qualities that residents and faculty believe are important for chief residents. Methods Following a literature review, educational experts conducted a multi-institutional survey that asked participants to name the qualities they felt were most important in chief residents and to rank-order a predefined list of 10 qualities. Associations were calculated between rank-order and participant age, gender, institutional position, and history of serving as a chief resident. Results The response rate for the survey was 43.9% (385/877). Leadership, organization, and communication skills were named by all participants among the most common responses. Residents additionally named approachability, advocacy, and listening skills among their most valued qualities, whereas faculty named strong clinical skills and integrity. Dependability and trustworthiness were the most valued qualities in the rank-order list, whereas strong clinical skills and self-reflection were the least valued. Females valued the ability to manage multiple demands more whereas males valued dependability more. The faculty valued strong clinical skills more than residents. Conclusion A variety of qualities are seen as being valuable in chief residents. Additional research is needed to understand what qualities are associated with effective chief resident performance.

Chief Residency Selection in Internal Medicine: Who Is Left Out?

“…Furthermore, assessments of a resident's professionalism, leadership, and communication, attributes valued for CR candidates, can be affected by faculty and/or trainee gender. 23,24 Lastly, the descriptive language used in subjective assessments of qualifications can differ by trainees' gender or race, such as Black applicants being less likely to be described with ability keywords such as "outstanding" relative to white applicants. 25 If existing academic leaders who belong to traditionally privileged groups are selecting future leaders without conscious and intentional methods of countering bias, this vicious cycle will continue to hinder the promotion and success of physicians currently underrepresented in leadership positions.…”

“…The call for applications should include a clear and detailed job description without cultural or gendered references and should list the ideal qualities desired for potential CRs. 24 Desired qualifications should include a commitment to advancing equity and fostering anti-racism within the program.…”

“…Opinions regarding the ideal qualities of CRs may differ, with leadership and organizational skills being important to faculty and approachability and listening skills being important to trainees. 24 Selection committees should prioritize candidates with the skills and experience to advocate for a diverse group of residents. Specific interview questions should help elucidate which applicants are equipped with these skills (Table 2).…”

Performance on Patient Experience Measures of Former Chief Medical Residents as Physician Exemplars Chosen by the Profession

“…One example is the case of chief residents, who are typically selected based on supervisor and peer impressions of residents’ teaching, leadership, management, interpersonal, communication, and clinical skills . In internal medicine, approximately 6% of eligible residents are chosen to serve as chief medical residents for a year .…”

“…One example is the case of chief residents, who are typically selected based on supervisor and peer impressions of residents' teaching, leadership, management, interpersonal, communication, and clinical skills. 29,30 In internal medicine, approximately 6% of eligible residents are chosen to serve as chief medical residents for a year. 31 In addition to administrative and clinical responsibilities, the stated purpose of the position is to teach residents and serve as visible role models.…”