The Best of Both Worlds: #ACGME2021 Pre-Conferences

December 2, 2020

The 2021 ACGME Annual Educational Conference will be a virtual experience, including pre-conferences, so the ACGME has worked hard to create learning and networking opportunities for different areas of interest within the graduate medical education (GME) community.

Pre-conferences enable participants to explore specific interests and to deepen their understanding of their own specific roles in GME. New program directors, those interested in osteopathic medicine and education, designated institutional officials (DIOs), residents/fellows, and program and institutional coordinators can dive into sessions with colleagues facing similar issues and share indispensable tips and strategies. Here is a rundown of the five pre-conferences available in February. 

Introductory Course for New Program Directors
Program directors new to the ACGME accreditation process will want to make sure to register for this pre-conference, which is full of information about the ACGME and the accreditation process. Sessions will cover a broad range of topics, including job duties of program directors, the Accreditation Data System (ADS), Milestones, evaluations, the Self-Study, and more. 

ACGME/AOGME Osteopathic Recognition Pre-Conference
The ACGME is pleased to partner with the Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators (AOGME) to deliver this pre-conference for programs that have achieved, plan to apply for, or would like to learn more about ACGME Osteopathic Recognition. Participants will hear directly from Directors of Osteopathic Education, osteopathic faculty members, and designated osteopathic residents in programs with ACGME Osteopathic Recognition. Sessions will address topics including innovations in GME, the value of osteopathy in dermatology, providing allopathic physicians with osteopathic training, and leveraging osteopathic recognition to advance scholarship in medicine. 

The Basics of Institutional Accreditation for DIOs
New DIOs will find this pre-conference invaluable, as it will focus on the roles and responsibilities of the DIO as they relate to overseeing ACGME-accredited programs and ensuring compliance with ACGME requirements. Sessions will cover the basics of accreditation, ADS, Milestones and Assessment, and Clinical Learning Environment Review (CLER) Program site visits. 

Be the Change: Building Skills to Lead Effective Change in Your Program and Institution
Being offered for the first time this year, this pre-conference is open to residents and fellows. Sessions are designed to help resident and fellow participants develop leadership skills and give them the tools to make a lasting impact on their program. Attendees will be able to stay connected after the conference by joining an active network for ongoing knowledge sharing and discussion. With no travel time required to attend, and a conference fee of only $45, this is a great year for residents and fellows to consider attending the Annual Educational Conference! 

Coordinator Forum: With Change Comes Opportunity
The 11th annual Coordinator Forum Pre-Conference will feature a half-day-long series of sessions designed for new and experienced institutional and program coordinators to gain knowledge and network with their colleagues. Eight 30-minute session on topics related to coordinator professional development and evolving job duties during this year of transition are being offered. Topics to be covered include leadership; personal well-being; lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis; and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in GME programs.

By bringing together thousands of GME professionals from all over the world, the 2021 ACGME Annual Educational Conference will provide a broad range of perspectives and educational opportunities. Pre-conferences offer the chance to learn from colleagues whose roles and responsibilities align with specific areas, offering the best of both worlds.

We look forward to seeing you in February!

Register for the 2021 Annual Educational Conference today!