Formal leadership training among orthopaedic surgeons in leadership positions

• Published in: Global Surgical Education - Journal of the Association for Surgical Education Vol. 1; no. 1
• Main Authors: Huang, Carrie, Kale, Nisha N., Samora, Julie B., Mulcahey, Mary K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 17.05.2022
• Subjects: Medical Education; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Surgery; Leader; Orthopaedic surgeon; Formal leadership training
• ISSN: 2731-4588; 2731-4588
• DOI: 10.1007/s44186-022-00019-y

Purpose To determine what formal leadership training orthopaedic leaders had pursued to develop the leadership skills necessary to be in their current leadership roles, and what perceptions they have on including formal leadership training in medical education. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed via email to 255 orthopaedic surgeons in leadership positions. Statistical analysis focused on differences in leadership training between different demographic groups, their formal leadership experience, and perception about the importance of formal leadership training. Results The survey was distributed to 247 potential recipients, of which 76 responded (response rate = 30.8%). Sixty-five of 76 (85.5%) current orthopaedic surgeons in leadership positions have received formal leadership training. The three most common types of leadership training included: institutional leadership training ( n  = 36; 54.5%); AOA Kellogg Leadership Series ( n  = 25; 37.9%); and AOA Emerging Leaders Program ( n  = 13; 19.7%). 77% of respondents agreed that this training helped prepare them to become a more effective leader. 79.7% of respondents agreed that formal leadership training should be incorporated, with the majority (50.8%), indicating that they believed it should be included during medical school, orthopaedic residency, and fellowship. Conclusion The majority of orthopaedic surgeons in leadership positions have received formal leadership training and believe that this helped them become a more effective leader. Providing formal leadership opportunities for a more diverse set of surgeons could catalyze an increase in minority representation. Informal leadership training, such as mentoring throughout medical school and residency, could also be beneficial, especially for minorities.