Developing Committed Resident Leaders: A Survey of the Administrative Chief Resident Experience in Surgical Fields

Abstract

Administrative chief residents (ACRs) are integral to residency programs, however little research has been done on the experiences, training, and support of ACRs in surgical fields. The objective of this study was to define the challenges and experiences of surgical ACRs and identify support needed to make them successful. A Qualtrics survey was electronically distributed to participants. Response styles included multiple choice questions, yes/no, Likert scales, and short answers. Question topics included demographics, ACR duties, support, and experiences. Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery residency programs in the United States. Current and past administrative chief residents (2019-2020; 2018-2019) and program directors from Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery residency programs. Seventy-nine surveys were completed by 48 (61%) ACRs and 31 (39%) program directors. The majority (52%) were from academic programs with a median of 6 residents and 2 ACRs per year. On a 10-point Likert scale, mean perceived support from faculty, program director, administration, and other residents was 7.0, 8.8, 6.7, and 7.7 respectively; however, mean stress level was also perceived to be high. Regarding preparation for the role, 56% of administrative chief residents do not receive a job description, 41% do not have a formal handoff process, 42% do not have formal leadership training, and only 61% agreed or strongly agreed that the administrative chief role was clear prior to starting. Common challenges reported by ACR's are limited preparation and training, conflict resolution, and workload management. Many ACRs felt they would benefit from formal leadership training and protected time. These results summarize the experiences of ACRs in surgical residencies. Best practices and formal training in identified challenge areas should be added to residency curriculum and used to develop toolkits to support ACRs nationwide.