Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Physician Coach Training.

Is an individual mentor coach provided during the program?

Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC is your Mentor Coach. He is a PCC coach. You can learn more about Jeff here.

“Mentor Coaching for an ICF Credential consists of coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.”

The Physician Coach Training Process:

7 Group Mentor Coaching Sessions - ICF Core Competencies education session and practice coaching in preparation for the coaching exam.

3 One-On-One Mentor Coaching Sessions - Coaching session with verbal ICF feedback to prepare for the ICF coaching exam.

ICF Written and Verbal Feedback - Review of coaching sessions by an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), including a transcript and time-stamped feedback on what the coach did well and what they can improve, aligned with the ICF Core Competencies.

What tools and resources does the program offer?

We provide tools and resources like conversation guides, coaching agreements, and forms to support your coaching practice.

Can I use them with clients in my future practice?

Yes, you can use all of the training contents from Physician Coach Training in your own coaching practice.

What ongoing support and resources are available to graduates?

Trainees life-time access to the coaching community practice coaching sessions, where you can ask questions, practice coaching, and receive coaching support.

What makes training specialized for physicians?

While our presenters are physicians and some independent study materials are geared toward healthcare professionals, approximately 90% of the program is dedicated to the ICF Core Competencies of coaching and universally applicable—regardless of client niche.

Can I only coach physicians?

Not at all! You’re free to work with any clients you choose. While many participants coach clients in healthcare, the competencies and techniques taught in our training are versatile and can be effectively applied across a wide range of industries and individuals.

What is the duration of live practice coaching sessions?

Live practice sessions are scheduled for 1 or 2 hours.

Education and Practice Coaching sessions are 2 hours and take place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT, and the third Sunday of each month at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.
Practice Coaching Sessions are 1-hour and scheduled by Doodle calendar each month based on participant availability.

What is the process to earn an ICF credential?

Step 1: Graduate from Physician Coach Training, including Mentor Coaching and pass a Final Coaching Exam.**
Step 2: Complete 100 client coaching hours—at least 75 must be paid hours, with a minimum of 8 clients.
Step 3: Pass a proctored exam administered by the ICF.

** Administered by Physician Coach Training.

Are continuing coaching education credits offered post graduation?

We are considering developing this, but the best source for CCE currently is the ICF by signing up for membership. I can walk you through this.

Are there any additional costs for the program?

$7,995 includes all of the costs for Physician Coach Training, including 1-on-1 mentor coaching.

There are additional fees associated with the ICF proctored exam and application. Find information about ICF fees here.

What is the specific approach the program focuses on?

55 credit hours of Core Competency content and 5 credit hours of Resource Development.

The ICF Core Competencies: “The Foundation of Transformative Coaching - At the heart of every impactful coaching relationship lies the ICF Core Competencies — guiding principles that shape the coaching journey. Whether you're new to coaching or an experienced professional, these competencies set the gold standard for what it means to co-create meaningful, transformative results with your clients.”

What is the background of the typical participant?

The backgrounds of the participants vary. We have had family physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, OBGYN, etc. Here are some of our coaches who also went through coaching:

Muyibat Adelani, MD, Orthopaedic Joint Surgeon - was coached before starting coach training.

Carla Smith, PhD, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Leadership - coached in a different model in a physician organization.

Richard Korentager, MD, Academic Plastic Surgeon - leader and some internal coaching education at the University of Kansas before training.

Steven Swanson, MD, MBA, Neurosurgeon and CMO at Medtronic - is a consultant and wanted to add coaching skills to his repertoire.

Is there any business development support integrated into the program?

We address the business of coaching and ideal clients in module 7 from an executive level.

We can provide resources and support finding vendors to help build websites and marketing materials.