Research

His research falls into four connected areas, all grounded in cognitive psychology and educational theory.

Intrinsic motivation

Applying Self-Determination Theory to physician development, so that training builds on autonomy, competence, and relatedness rather than compliance.

Self-regulation and behavior change

Using mental contrasting with implementation intentions (WOOP) to help clinicians close the gap between what they intend to do and what they actually do. In a randomized trial, the approach increased residents' follow-through on studying goals compared with conventional goal setting.

Feedback utilization

The LEAF method (Learner-Engaged Analysis of Feedback), a structured reflection approach that helps learners get more from the feedback they receive. Now in use at multiple institutions.

Help-seeking and well-being

Understanding and lowering the barriers that keep healthcare workers from seeking mental health care, through peer-reviewed research, national advocacy, and The Emotional PPE Project. This work includes first-author publications in JAMA and has supported licensing reform in multiple states.

Publications from each of these areas are on the publications page.