Resilience Through Connection: A Group Coaching Framework for Women Anesthesiologists in the Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI).

BACKGROUND

Women anesthesiologists face unique challenges that threaten their well-being and retention. This includes high rates of imposter phenomenon, higher rates of attrition compared to male colleagues, and high rates of suicide. While group coaching is increasingly recognized as a developmental modality to foster growth in complex work environments, gaps remain in understanding how group coaching supports women who face imposter syndrome or how effective this modality is for women anesthesiologists.

AIMS: This study examines the impact of a pilot group coaching intervention that focused on addressing imposter syndrome in women anesthesiologists participating in the Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI).

METHODS

Fifteen women pediatric anesthesiologists, split across two groups, took part in seven monthly group coaching sessions. A post-coaching survey was then conducted in which participants were asked about their experiences before and after group coaching. Eight of the participants volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Qualitative data were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

The survey showed that following group coaching, participants demonstrated an increase in self-reported compassion and acceptance of others. They also reported learning more about themselves and how to amend their own behavior in helpful ways compared to pre-intervention. Two overarching themes emerged: a sense of community (fueled by psychological safety, validation, shared experience, and addressing imposter syndrome through the group coaching) and tools gained (including clearer priorities, work/life integration, and proactive social support).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this pilot intervention suggest group coaching programs for anesthesiologists have the potential to build resilience in the current work environment, thereby benefiting not only individuals but the anesthesiology workforce as a whole.