As the healthcare landscape rapidly evolves due to digitalization and AI, the traditional concept of professional identity within health professions education is being redefined. This focus session addresses the critical need for educators to develop advanced coaching skills that enable them to guide students through these changes. By focusing on coaching as a key strategy, the session will help participants support students in forming adaptive and resilient professional identities in a digitally driven environment.
The 90-minute session will employ a Team-Based Learning (TBL) approach, beginning with an overview of coaching principles and their distinction from mentoring and advising. Participants will engage in readiness assessments, case-based discussions, and interactive group activities to explore how coaching can address the challenges posed by digitalization and AI. The session will introduce motivational frameworks such as the ARCS Model and Self-Determination Theory, providing practical tools for enhancing student engagement.

Expected Outcomes: By the end of the session, participants will have developed strategies to integrate coaching into their educational practices, fostering an environment that supports adaptive learning and professional identity formation. This session aims to empower educators to be change agents in healthcare education, preparing students to thrive in a dynamic and culturally diverse healthcare landscape over the next 25 years.

Agenda & Methods

1. Introductions & Team Formation (10 minutes):
   The session will start with brief introductions and forming small working groups. Participants will be grouped to ensure diverse perspectives during discussions.
2. Individual & Team Readiness Assessments (iRAT and tRAT) (25 minutes):
   Participants will complete an individual readiness assessment (iRAT) to gauge their understanding of coaching, PIF, and the impacts of digitalization and AI. This will be followed by a team readiness assessment (tRAT) to discuss and reach consensus on key concepts, allowing for thorough understanding within the groups.
3. Application 1 & Discussion 1: Coaching in the Digital Age and Leveraging AI Tools (30 minutes):
   Participants will engage in case-based discussions exploring real-world scenarios related to PIF in a digitalized healthcare environment. They will analyze how AI and digital technologies influence professional identities and how coaching can guide students through these challenges. Additionally, groups will evaluate AI tools for coaching, focusing on enhancing effectiveness and supporting adaptive professional identities. A plenary discussion will follow, where groups share their insights.
4. Application 2 & Discussion 2: Future-Proofing Professional Identity (15 minutes):
   In this final application, participants will brainstorm strategies for "future-proofing" PIF in the face of ongoing technological advancements. They will consider the long-term implications of AI and propose coaching approaches to address these challenges, consolidating learning and providing actionable strategies.
5. Q&A and Closing (10 minutes):
   The session will end with an open Q&A for participants to clarify concepts and discuss practical applications. A summary and closing remarks will conclude the session.