Feedback Sandwich With A Side O' Chips

I went to a faculty development session the other night about feedback. Who knew there is so much to learn about feedback? I know when I was a medical student and resident, I craved feedback from my attendings. But only if it was positive. Then when I was a fellow and pseudo-attending I just wanted to be told if I was doing something wrong. Now that I am faculty, I just want to be told how I can be successful.

I raised my hand and admitted at this session that I was uncomfortable giving feedback because I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings and I want everyone to like me. Do you know what the speaker said to me? He said "The people who are most worried about hurting another's feelings are the least likely to ever do so." Wow. I don't think I could have felt better if he had said "Have you lost weight? Because you look thinner." Well, maybe a little better, but you get the point. In that instant I lost so much of my hesitation to give the students and residents with whom I work 'constructive criticism'. I now see it as a chance for me to help them to be successful...without having to wait until they are faculty.

When I started on the wards this week with my new team I warned them in advance that I would be giving them feedback immediately after their presentations in front of the rest of the team. I've done it in a way that is matter-of-fact and nonjudgmental, all the while thinking of how I want them to be better doctors because of their experience on my team. I'm not perfect at it, but I think they are learning....and I think they still like me.