Utilizing Coaching to Develop Women Physician Leaders

Abstract

Women physicians continue to find multiple barriers to advancing into leadership positions. These barriers include lack of mentoring, adequate role models, provisions to take leadership courses, provisions to attend leadership meetings, and their own lack of confidence.(1) The healthcare industry is making small strides but there is still much to be done. With the continued lack of organizational support, women physicians must find other non-traditional leadership growth opportunities such as coaching.(1)1 A conscious approach to coaching can address the unique challenges of women leaders such as organizational context, work-life integration, career-life transitions, and establishing leadership presence, including self-efficacy and influencing skills.