The Impact of Relationship Building Through a Structured Coaching Program for Mentors and Mentees within a Doctor of Physical Therapy Post-Professional Residency Program

This study explored the impact of a structured coaching program, centered around the DISC model and on relationship building between mentors and mentees within a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) residency program. Through a 10-month qualitative study, involving 8 participants (4 mentors and 4 mentees), the research highlighted four key themes: the importance of setting expectations, the benefits of accelerated relationship building, the comfort provided by a non-judgmental environment, and the development of collaborative and adaptive reasoning skills. The findings suggest that a DISC-based coaching program can effectively enhance mentor-mentee relationships and support adaptive clinical reasoning.