How to Design Individualized Learning Plans for Incoming Residents: 5 Questions Every Program Should be Asking
Residency isn’t one-size-fits-all-but onboarding often is. If we want residents to grow into leaders, we need to start by asking the right questions from day one.
Too often, individualized learning plans (ILPs) are surface-level or compliance-based. They check box rather than serve a purpose. But when done intentionally, an ILP can be powerful tool to align mentorship, measure progress, and build a truly developmental learning environment.
Creating an ILP that matters begins with asking better questions. Questions that go beyond academic metrics and uncover the values, fears, motivations, and aspirations of each resident. Here are five foundational questions that every program-regardless of specialty-can ask to build meaningful ILPs from the start:
What kind of physicians do you want to become-and why? This question helps uncover a resident’s personal mission. Are they driven by service, innovation, leadership or advocacy? The answers shape everything from project choices to mentorship matches.
What learning environment helps you thrive? Some residents need structure. Others crave autonomy. Some process best through feedback; others through reflection. This questions gives insight into how to adapt supervision and feedback for individual success.
Where do you feel most uncertain or underprepared right now? This surfaces early vulnerabilities and self-identified growth areas. It helps programs offer targeted support and identify potential risks before they become issues.
Tell us about a moment in medical school when you felt like you failed-what did you learn from it? This taps into mindset and resilience. It also opens up space for honest dialogue and psychological safety-crucial for growth.
What kind of mentorship do you need-and what does good mentorship look like to you? Mentorship is a key predictor of resident success, yet it’s rarely personalized. This questions aligns expectations from the outset.
These questions aren’t just nice to have-they’re foundational. They allow programs to create learning plans that are dynamic, resident-driven, and aligned with long-term professional development. More importantly, they signal to the resident: “We see you. We’re invested in your growth.”
Residency Onboarding season is here. Let’s raise the bar.
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