At some point, most surgeons question the direction of their life and wonder about their career direction, and life’s meaning and purpose. At these times coaching is an excellent method of self examination. Its aim is greater self understanding not just in the coaching session but in life in general. Executive Coaching for surgeons is concerned with performance, development and fulfillment at work, whether in the office or hospital. Most physicians promoted to executive positions do not have the background and skills needed to build teams and lead groups.

When you need to advance your surgical career, executive coaching is a useful tool. Over the last few years coaches have come to understand that when itcomes to happiness and success, emotional intelligence (EQ) matters more than intellectual ability (IQ). If you want tobuild stronger relationships, or succeed at work, then higher emotional intelligence usually helps.

REFERENCES & COMMENTS: "Patrick gently reinforces the need to maintain appropriate physician interaction at all levels of professional discourse at all times. His reassuring manner is a strong motivator to heed his advice. He offers “understandable” and “easy to implement” behavioral changes. Dr. Hudson motivates one to want to modify one’s conduct to perform at a better level…My relationship with Dr. Hudson has been by telephone communication on a bi-weekly basis, weekly when acute situations need to be addressed, and urgently when I perceive a crisis has arisen. He has welcomed a conference call with my wife when I felt her input was essential. He provides supportive references by email for “home study". ENT Surgeon/New York