Chief Resident Advice No One Teaches You | How to Lead a Residency Team

What actually makes a great chief resident?

After finishing plastic surgery residency, Dr. Liz Malphrus reflects on one of the most important leadership roles in medical training, and the lessons no one formally teaches. From setting expectations and managing team dynamics to giving meaningful feedback and building trust, this episode is a practical guide for anyone preparing to lead in residency.

Dr. Malphrus shares the communication strategies that transformed her approach as chief resident, why vague feedback hurts more than it helps, and how supporting curiosity can create stronger teams and better physicians. Whether you're an intern, senior resident, future chief, or attending looking to mentor trainees, these leadership principles extend far beyond medicine.

In this episode:

How to develop your own leadership styleWhy communication is the foundation of great teamsSetting expectations from day oneGiving feedback that's immediate, specific, and actionableAvoiding the biggest mistakes chief residents makeBuilding team morale while maintaining accountabilityWhy curiosity is one of the most important leadership skills

If you're navigating residency, preparing for chief year, or interested in leadership in healthcare, this episode offers practical advice you can apply immediately.

Subscribe for more honest conversations about residency, surgical training, physician life, and the realities of modern medicine.

Host: Liz Malphrus, MD

Connect with Liz: https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/liz-malphrus-md

IG: @dr.malphrus

Produced By: The Hippocratic Collective

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