Mentorship and Feedback

In our program, feedback is foundational to both learning and professional growth. We are committed to cultivating a learning environment where feedback is timely, specific, and bidirectional, therefore, supporting the development of both residents and faculty. By embedding feedback into the fabric of daily clinical practice, we aim to promote a culture of continuous reflection, self-directed learning, and ongoing improvement.  

Faculty development in feedback delivery is a central priority of our education division, guided by contemporary educational theory and evidence-based best practices. Through a variety of structured initiatives, including CME-accredited lectures, interactive workshops, and support for faculty participation in external development seminars, we provide educators with the skills to deliver high-quality, learner-centered feedback. We place particular emphasis on real-time formative interactions, in-the-moment teaching, and the cultivation of psychologically safe learning environments that foster open dialogue, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth.  

Resident Feedback  

Residents receive feedback through a variety of structured channels designed to support their clinical development, professional growth, and reflective practice.  

  • Daily Feedback: Residents are encouraged to seek and receive feedback during day-to-day clinical activities. Faculty provide both verbal and written feedback, often in real time, focused on clinical reasoning, procedural skills, communication, and professionalism.  
  • End-of-Rotation Evaluation: At the conclusion of each rotation, residents receive formal written evaluations from the rotation director. These assessments provide a comprehensive review of the resident’s performance across multiple competencies and offer actionable guidance for continued growth.  
  • Milestone-Based Evaluation and 6-Month Meeting: Twice annually, the Clinical Competency Committee (CCC), composed of faculty and program leadership, conducts a structured review of each resident’s progress using the ACGME milestones framework. Following this review, residents meet one-on-one with a member of the education team to discuss their progress, receive individualized feedback, and set goals for the upcoming months. 

 

Faculty Feedback  

Resident feedback is a critical component of our faculty development framework and plays an essential role in promoting excellence in clinical teaching. Feedback is collected through structured, written mechanisms that are both anonymous and batched prior to being shared with faculty, ensuring confidentiality and encouraging honest, constructive input.  

  • Daily Feedback: Residents provide brief, written feedback focusing on specific aspects of teaching, supervision, communication, and the creation of a supportive learning environment. These formative insights offer faculty timely opportunities for reflection and continuous improvement in their day-to-day educational practices.  
  • End-of-Rotation Evaluation: At the conclusion of each rotation, residents complete comprehensive evaluations of faculty performance. These summative assessments address broader dimensions of teaching effectiveness, including consistency, depth of feedback provided, engagement in resident education, and overall contributions to the learning environment across the rotation.  
  • GME-Supported Anonymous Reporting System: Beyond these structured tools, residents also have access to institution-wide, GME-supported anonymous reporting system for raising concerns that require confidential follow-up outside of the departmental review process.  

   

Mentorship  

We recognize that success in residency training requires a network of support that extends beyond clinical education. Our mentorship framework is designed to provide residents with personalized, multi-layered guidance that addresses academic, professional, emotional, and social development throughout their training. Through a combination of structured programs and organic connections, we aim to foster growth, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Faculty Mentors   

At the start of the CA-1 year, each resident selects a faculty mentor from within the department. With only 1-3 mentees per faculty member, these relationships are intentionally small to allow for meaningful, personalized support throughout residency.    Mentors are not chosen based on subspecialty or academic interests, but rather to serve as consistent guides through the training process. Residents and mentors meet quarterly to set goals, reflect on progress, process evaluations, and navigate challenges together. In addition to supporting residents emotionally and professionally, mentors often open doors to research, fellowship, and career opportunities through their networks.

Faculty Advisors (House System)  

Before starting residency, each incoming resident is assigned to a “House,” a small group composed of residents from all three clinical years and two designated faculty advisors. This structure provides multi-generational support and fosters strong interpersonal connections across training levels.  Faculty advisors offer social and emotional support, help facilitate group discussions, and cultivate a space where residents can share experiences, challenges, and advice. Junior residents benefit from the wisdom of their senior peers, while senior residents develop leadership and mentorship skills. This group model builds camaraderie and contributes to a more cohesive, supportive learning environment.  

Big-Little Sibs & Exam Buddies  

Peer mentorship is a cornerstone of our community. Each incoming resident is paired with a more senior “Big Sib” to provide informal support, orientation advice, and friendship during the early stages of training. As residents progress, they are also paired with “Exam Buddies” to prepare for key in-training and board exams. These peer relationships promote collaboration, normalize challenges, and reinforce the value of mutual support throughout residency.

Career Mentorship  

As residents begin to explore post-residency plans, we offer tailored career mentorship to help guide their next steps.   

  • Fellowship Pathway: Residents meet with the fellowship program director to clarify goals, identify subspecialty mentors, and prepare for the application process.  
  • Generalist/Private Practice Pathway: Residents pursuing generalist roles or private practice receive mentorship from program leadership and faculty in Professional Affairs to support job search strategies, contract negotiation, and long-term career planning.