You don’t have to be a certified coach to experience a peer coaching relationship (and be a valued peer coach). In fact, peer coaching might be something you already do: establishing a safe, constructive way of listening, helping others plan, and fostering supportive communities of practice.

Peer coaching helps you develop the ability to connect with peers at a deeper level to gain valuable experience and knowledge toward your own professional development. It helps you develop skills to engage in meaningful conversations that leave you motivated, energized, inspired and recharged, contributing to your personal and professional well-being. Peer feedback is also an essential element of the Royal College Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.

To help you learn, the Royal College has developed Peer Coaching in Practice, a unique peer coaching program for physicians. The program focuses on tools and practices of coaching that can be applied in any setting (clinical, research, education, primary care, or even at home). This program offers theory and guidance to take your skills to the next level, enabling you to be the best coach you can be while earning MOC credits as you learn.

“Peer coaching is a concept that will help us work together and improve our communication skills,” says Roy Kirkpatrick, MD, FRCSC, and recent workshop participant in the Peer Coaching in Practice program.

Microlearning, self-study and group learning options

Peer Coaching in Practice offers multiple products, depending on how you’d like to learn. Microlearning allows you to enhance your skills quickly, while structured self-study allows you to try out some practice and reflection prompts over a 15-day period. Instructor-led practice workshops are available (virtual and in-person) this September through November 2023. In addition, if you are interested in becoming a coaching instructor, you can sign up to access facilitated teaching materials.

“The coaching modules have reminded me of the importance of active listening,” Dr. Kirkpatrick adds. “I hope that I’m getting a little bit better at listening carefully to my peers and refraining from jumping in with my ‘solutions’ before I’ve had the opportunity to be sure whether they want my solutions or whether they simply want an ear to listen.”

Learn more about the available learning options and register to begin your coaching journey.