Frequently-asked Questions

What is SMF Facilitation?

A strategic consulting practice founded by Dr. Shannon M. Foster, MD, FACS. It offers broad services for career building and repair including direct conflict resolution, coaching, education and event creation, leadership development, team alignment, and cultural transformation services—clinically grounded and tailored for each client.

How is pricing determined?

Pricing is customized based on scope, duration, urgency, and format. After your consultation, you’ll receive a clear proposal with options for one-time sessions, short-term engagements, or long-term partnerships.

Who does Dr. Foster work with?

Dr. Foster works with individuals, teams, and organizations across healthcare and adjacent sectors. Her clients include physicians, allied professionals, clinical teams, administrators, educators, and executives seeking clarity, repair, and strategic growth.

Can I book a single session or workshop?

Absolutely. SMF Facilitation offers one-off education sessions, speaking engagements, and targeted workshops. These are ideal for team retreats, grand rounds, leadership development days, or cultural reset moments.

What makes this approach different?

SMF Facilitation blends clinical insight with advanced training in coaching, mediation, and facilitation. Every engagement is customized, trauma-informed, and designed to move clients from friction to alignment—through curated conversation, strategy, and sustainable change.

What if my team is in crisis or conflict?

Emergent facilitation and conflict intervention are available for high-stakes situations. These engagements prioritize psychological safety, rapid assessment, mediation and structured repair—often followed by coaching or strategic planning.

What is the complete facilitation service?

Every engagement follows a proven four-phase model that remains adaptive, trauma-informed, and customized: Review: We conduct a comprehensive intake—analyzing histories, dynamics, and context. Define: Together, we identify core problems, goals, and barriers. Build: We design targeted solutions—frameworks, sessions, strategies, or interventions. Implement: We activate change through guided facilitation, coaching, and follow-through.

How does a typical engagement begin?

Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute consultation to explore needs, goals, and context. From there, Dr. Foster creates a bespoke proposal and pricing schedule tailored to your timeline, team dynamics, and desired outcomes.

Are services confidential?

Yes. All engagements are private, ethically grounded, and handled with discretion—especially in sensitive or high-stakes contexts.

Do you offer long-term support?

Yes. Long-term coaching and facilitation partnerships are available for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking sustained cultural transformation, leadership development, or strategic alignment.

What if I’m unsure exactly what I need?

That’s okay. You don’t need perfect clarity to begin. If you’re stuck, uncertain, or frustrated, we’ll help you name what’s happening and explore what’s possible.

Do you offer virtual or in-person services?

Yes—services are available virtually, in-person, or hybrid depending on your location, needs, and preferences.

What happens during the free 30-minute consultation?

This is a low-pressure, exploratory conversation. You’ll share your goals, challenges, and context. Dr. Foster will ask clarifying questions, offer initial insights, and outline potential next steps.