POSNA Leadership Program (PLP): Developing surgeon leaders for patients, organizations, and our society

Abstract

POSNA initiated a Leadership Program in 2022. The POSNA Leadership Program (PLP) is designed to enhance emotional intelligence (social skills, empathy, communication, self-regulation, and self-awareness) and in-depth leadership skill development for selected participants in a year-long seminar. Disruptive behaviors detrimental to health care professionals, patients, and care delivery organizations can be identified and lessened through education.Most surgeons rightfully focus their learning intently on specific surgical knowledge and technical expertise, especially in the early and middle career stages. Despite this, surgical errors still occur secondary to limitations of non-technical surgical skills (NOTSS): decision making, communication, leadership and teamwork. More senior surgeons are also prone to leadership and communication errors. By gaining education and expertise in NOTSS, improved team building with more professional staff engagement, empowerment, and trust can result in lower risk.POSNA is focusing on subspecialty specific leadership education for mid-career pediatric orthopaedic surgeons to foster an enhanced future for our local and national organizations. The PLP leaders understand leadership is not about their own “fame and fortune”, but rather the success of “those they are privileged to lead” through career and programmatic development that enhances our mission of improving musculoskeletal care for children. The JPOSNA Leadership series will bring the PLP knowledge and expertise to the entire membership. Key concepts(1)leadership, followership, emotional intelligence, non-technical surgical skills