SVS Introduces Peer-to-Peer Coaching Program

April 13, 2021—The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the Academy for Surgical Coaching announced a partnership to develop a first-of-its-kind coaching program that strengthens wellness support for vascular surgeons.

According to the announcement, studies have demonstrated that physicians across specialties are experiencing an increase in burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation because of the nature of their work and the barriers preventing them from providing optimal patient care. Research conducted by the SVS Wellness Task Force has reinforced and replicated many of these findings within the specialty of vascular surgery.

With this new program that is customized to vascular surgery, SVS aims to address the triggers of burnout and provide wellness support through coaching intervention.

Initially, SVS hopes to recruit and train a dozen vascular surgeons to become certified surgical coaches, each of whom will be paired with as many as two vascular surgeons seeking support for a 3-month period. Over the course of a year, it is hoped each surgical coach will work with up to four SVS members. SVS will expand the program if evaluation demonstrates success.

The Academy for Surgical Coaching and SVS noted in the announcement that as practicing vascular surgeons, the surgical coaches will be well positioned to help their colleagues manage professional challenges and ultimately increase job satisfaction. Additionally, peer-to-peer support will help minimize the isolation associated with vascular surgery and destigmatize the culture of “complacent suffering.”

Niten Singh, MD, who is codesigner of the program, commented in the announcement, “We want to make sure we address the inherent issues, such as emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, that might be contributing to burnout among vascular surgeons. We will focus on these issues first.”

Dawn Coleman, MD, serves as Cochair of the SVS Wellness Task Force.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Academy for Surgical Coaching and consider it a shining example of how we are listening and responding to our members regarding wellness initiatives,” stated Dr. Coleman in the announcement. “We believe we are one of the first medical societies to take the translational step from studying and discussing the issues to providing service and support for members.”

Caprice Greenberg, MD, the President and Cofounder of the Academy for Surgical Coaching, added, “Our experience shows surgeons love working with surgical coaches because it changes the way they think about their practice. The coaching sessions will focus on identifying challenges, setting goals and pushing for continuous improvement. Surgeons can discuss operative performance, leadership skills, clinical judgement, or self-regulation. The surgical coach is there to support vascular surgeons to achieve their individualized and self-identified goals.”

Funding support for this program is made possible in part by a grant from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., as part of the SVS Quality Practice Block Grant program. Additional information is available at the SVS website, www.vascular.org, and the Academy for Surgical Coaching website, https://surgicalcoaching.org.