This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2022 ACGME Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place virtually March 30-April 1, 2022.
2022 Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Awardee Skyler Kiddy, MS, works as the program coordinator for the pediatrics program at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and Osteopathic Medical Education Consortium of Oklahoma.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Ms. Kiddy: Receiving this national award from the ACGME is truly an honor. I am grateful to have great program directors and residents.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Kiddy: The most rewarding part of being a coordinator is helping guide the residents through their residency journey. In addition, it is also rewarding to be able to help new coordinators learn their roles and guide them through the accreditation process.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Kiddy: The field of graduate medical education is ever changing. Therefore, the most challenging part of being a coordinator is adapting to the continuous change.
ACGME: What advice do you have to brand-new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Kiddy: First, find an experienced coordinator within your institution to be your mentor. When you are new to the role, it is beneficial to have a point of contact to ask questions and learn best practices. In addition, it is also helpful to join your specialty organization coordinator group; these coordinator groups are great support systems to discover essential methods for your specialty.