Coaching Skills for Medical Professionals (CSMP)

“Unique, supportive and highly professionally relevant”

Save the Dates! 22nd June — 30th June — 2nd July — 14th July — 22nd July — 29th July 2026

I have been quiet recently and have withheld posting updates on various platforms. That’s not because it’s been quiet – far from it – it’s because my focus has been on developing and delivering a Coaching Skills for Medical Professionals course. Designed and developed specifically for doctors and supported by an expert coaching faculty with many decades of coaching experience, we piloted the course at the end of 2025. The course is aimed at new consultants (within 5 years of consultancy) and senior trainees. This transition is one of the most demanding in medical careers and we understand that newly appointed consultants and senior trainees are time poor. The course is therefore run as 6 online modules over 6 weeks. We start at 3pm BST to optimise flexibility for the rest of the working day. Modules are 2.5 or 3 hours long. The format, pace of delivery and content have already been piloted and here’s what people said.

Specific Feedback from the Pilot Course 2025

Our participants were physicians and surgeons in the UK and RSA. Their feedback describes the impact of the course on them and their medical practice.  UK candidates were based in Oxford, London and Torbay. RSA candidates were all based at UCT / Groote Schuur Hospital Cape Town and at Stellenbosch University / Tygerberg Hospital Cape Town.

We asked them what they most enjoyed about the CSMP. They said

“I enjoyed the concept of thinking of an ideal situation and planning how to get there by reflecting inwards. The entire course was outstanding: from the richness of the content to the depth of self-reflection it provoked, and the opportunity to practise new skills. What I appreciated most, however, was the culture and atmosphere fostered by the faculty and course delegates. … truly unique and distinct from typical training offered to medical professionals. “

“The interaction, the group and peer learning. The environment was supportive” 

“It was something completely different to the usual training I have received over my years as a doctor and highly relevant.”  

“I really enjoyed how the theoretical aspects translated into the practical application in breakout groups. Overall, it was a great experience and it’s definitely helping me in my day-to-day personal and professional life.’”

We asked them how they would describe the impact of the course. They said: 

“The CSMP coaching sessions gave me rare, protected space to pause and reflect on how I show up as a leader and as a healthcare professional in my day-to-day interactions. Through thoughtful questioning and a supportive, non-judgemental approach, the coaching helped me recognise unhelpful patterns, gain clarity in moments of uncertainty, and reconnect with what matters most to me in my work. I have come away with greater self-awareness, confidence, and practical strategies that I am already using in both my clinical and academic roles. It has been a genuinely impactful and grounding experience.” 

“A fantastic course that opens the box and provides tools to improve many essential (but regularly overlooked) aspects of communication with colleagues in a healthcare setting. Importantly it grows a common language to allow affirming and efficient team working with potential for much needed improvement in individual and workforce resilience.  I can see value from such a course being delivered not only to individuals but within established teams to even greater benefit”.  

“Very grateful to participate in this life changing course run by excellent course leaders and faculty. The course is a must, especially for doctors working in high intensity environments. 

I cannot recommend this course highly enough! It provides evidence-based training in coaching and communication skills that are vital in the healthcare environment yet often neglected in training. There is an excellent balance of theory and practice with amazing guidance from coaches and opportunities to practice real life conversations in a safe environment to grow one’s skills. Would love this to be part of medical training!  

“The course was highly relevant and thoughtfully structured, offering practical, immediately applicable skills tailored to the realities of medical practice.

“The CSMP created a safe and reflective space that encouraged self-awareness, improved communication, and a deeper understanding of coaching as a developmental tool rather than a directive process. The balance between theory, experiential learning, and real-world clinical scenarios was particularly effective. Overall, the course has strong potential to enhance leadership, wellbeing, and professional growth across all stages of a medical career, and I would strongly recommend its broader rollout.” 

“The Coaching Skills for Medical Professionals (CSMP) was a truly impactful and professionally transformative experience. As a healthcare professional working in high-pressure environments, I found the coaching skills taught—particularly active listening, powerful questioning, and reflective feedback—immediately applicable to clinical leadership, supervision, and team dynamics. The programme was expertly facilitated, practical, and deeply human. It has meaningfully improved how I lead conversations, support colleagues, and navigate complexity with clarity and empathy. I would strongly recommend the CSMP to healthcare leaders seeking sustainable, values-based leadership.”  

“I would recommend the course to anyone who is interested in self- development and developing others; who wants to gain some fresh perspective in life.”  

“I came away feeling like a more holistic doctor – more self-aware and more confident in my skillset – which is hugely beneficial as I prepare to take on a consultant role. The thoughtful insights, wisdom, and experience of the faculty, alongside the openness of fellow delegates, created an environment in which meaningful growth felt both possible and safe.”  

“A truly brilliant initiative”

Would you or someone you know benefit from this unique way of upskilling? If so, reach out to me now at cathryn@cathrynedwards.com to request a digital brochure.

Early bird: £750 (UK) / R16,500 (South Africa)

Standard price: (post promotion): £900 (UK) / R19,800 (South Africa)

Copyright Cathryn Edwards and Janine Ahlers, Centre for Coaching