For the last few years the IAFP Foundation has planned The Deeda Ferree Memorial Resident Leadership Development Seminar at the IAFP Research Day. This is a fast-paced, interactive adventure in leadership development presented by IAFP leaders and designed to give residents practical skills to boost their leadership abilities for residency and beyond. In 2026, we will include a 15-minute Near-Peer presentation from a Chief or Co-Chief resident.

Possible Near-Peer topics that could be presented might include: 
  • Conflict Resolution for Residents
  • 2-Way Feedback Skills (Resident-Resident or Resident-Faculty or Resident-Staff or Resident-Nurse)
  • Making the Most of your "Off Time" (sort of a Well-being topic)
  • Maximizing the value of a non-call rotation (setting up pre-rotation goals, communicating those to preceptors, debriefing when completed)
  • Pearls for successfully onboarding a new class of Residents
  • Peer Leadership Skills: Navigating the space between Residents and Faculty
  • Recognition Programs: How to give "shout-outs" well
  • Building a culture of gratitude in a Residency program
  • Peer leadership to support a struggling Resident

We will consider any topic that has generally applicable components that everyone could learn from.

The 15-minute presentation will take place between 12:30 - 1:45 PM on Thursday, May 14 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The exact time slot will depend on how many abstracts are received and accepted for presentation.

If you are a Chief or Co-Chief resident interested in this opportunity, please complete this SurveyMonkey form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRR5QHB) by Wednesday, April 1. The IAFP Foundation will review submissions and make a decision by Wednesday, April 15.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Barry via email at , or phone (317) 237-4237.