Learning to Lead: Self- and Peer Evaluation of Team Leaders in the Human Structure Didactic Block.

Department of Anatomy, Mayo Medical School, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MinnesotaIncreasing emphasis on leadership in medical education has created a need for developingaccurate evaluations of team leaders. Our study aimed to compare the accuracy of self-and peer evaluation of student leaders in the first-year Human Structure block (integratedgross anatomy, embryology, and radiology). Forty-nine first-year medical students atMayo Medical School were assigned to learning teams of three or four members. Teamsworked together on daily laboratory dissection, clinical projects, embryology presenta-tions, and daily group quizzes. Student team leaders were responsible for leading labora-tory dissection, reviewing radiographic findings, and organizing group assignments.Weekly electronic surveys were administered to evaluate team leaders on altruism, com-passion, respect, integrity, responsibility, commitment to excellence, and self-reflection.Results demonstrated that team leaders rated themselves lower than their peers ratedthem in multiple aspects of leadership. Peer evaluation of team leaders was statisticallyhigher than self-evaluation in all traits measured except respect. Female leaders wererated higher by their peers in the areas of responsibility and self-reflection compared tomale leaders. This study demonstrates the need for increased communication betweenteam leaders and members, along with creation of a mutually respectful environment, toimprove leader awareness of their abilities and foster team success.