What Can You Talk About in Coaching? Common Topics for Residents & Faculty

Coaching in academic medicine can feel a little abstract until you’re in it.
Whether you're a resident navigating clinical load or a faculty physician juggling leadership and personal well-being, coaching can provide a powerful space for reflection, clarity, and growth.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Would I even know what to talk about in a coaching session?” you’re not alone.

That’s why I created this short resource: a visual snapshot of the real-life topics physicians bring to coaching conversations. These themes come directly from coaching work with residents, early-career physicians, and faculty and leadership teams across the country.

Common Coaching Topics for Physicians Include:
Meaning, Values & Identity
Career Planning & Transitions
Cognitive Load & Time Management
Feedback, Confidence & Growth
Team Dynamics & Leadership
Well-being & Integration
Dealing with Hard Things
System Frustrations
Sustainable Change

You’ll also find recurring themes like:

• Navigating dual roles (clinician-educator, leader-colleague)

• Burnout mitigation and joy restoration

• Feeling stuck, unsure, or pulled in too many directions

This isn’t therapy. It’s not advising. It’s not a performance review.
It’s a structured, confidential space to think out loud with a thought partner who gets it, shift mindset, gain clarity, and plan a strategy that works best for you to move forward with intention whether you’re solving a problem or aiming for growth.

Get the visual overview:
“Common Topics Physicians Bring to Coaching”
Download the Common Themes

Curious about what a coaching session looks like?
Explore more in the FAQ section on coaching sessions or browse individual coaching offerings for residents and faculty.