Accreditation plays a critical role in graduate medical education (GME), ensuring programs meet rigorous standards that safeguard quality and advance the profession. For those in GME, understanding accreditation is essential to supporting learners and delivering exceptional patient care.
The ACGME Annual Educational Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about accreditation straight from the source. Attendees gain direct access to the people who shape and implement accreditation standards, including ACGME leaders, Executive Directors, Review Committee members, and Accreditation Field Representatives. These experts provide clarity, answer questions, and share practical strategies you can apply immediately. Whether you’re preparing for a site visit, navigating Accreditation Data System (ADS) updates, or seeking insights into specialty-specific requirements, this is a chance to engage with the individuals who guide the accreditation process.
Celebrating a Decade of Single GME Accreditation
The conference begins with several plenary sessions, including the newest addition to the conference schedule, offering valuable historical accreditation context: Serving the Public and GME Community: A Decade of Single Accreditation. This Featured Plenary, SES004, commemorates 10 years since the transition to a single accreditation system for US GME, celebrating achievements and envisioning the future of medical education.
Attendees will hear how integrating osteopathic and allopathic pathways has elevated standards and expanded access to high-quality patient care, with highlights in curriculum innovation, faculty development, and learner support. Audience real-time pulse polls will surface contemporary challenges, opportunities for change, and priorities that will inform a 2026 summit and future initiatives in residency pathways.
Practical Guidance from ACGME Experts
One of the greatest benefits of attending the conference is the chance to hear directly from ACGME representatives. Several sessions, led by Accreditation Field Representatives, offer practical advice and insider perspectives:
- Getting Your Ducks (and Documents) in a Row for Your Accreditation Site Visit – Best practices for ADS updates and document uploads (SES007)
- Institutional Accreditation Site Visits: Top 10 Tips – Insider advice for a smooth institutional site visit (SES032)
- Program Accreditation Site Visits: Top 10 Tips – Essential strategies for program-level visits (SES085)
- Mock Program Accreditation Site Visit – A simulated visit to show what to expect (SES059)
If you’re looking a more global perspective, SES061, Update on ACGME-I Accreditation, will provide broad perspectives and real-world examples, including discussion of ACGME-I initiatives, plans to build global GME communities, and what’s in store for 2026. Check the full session schedule for other relevant sessions for your program or institution.
ACGME Hub
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the ACGME Hub is the go-to destination for attendees seeking direct interaction with ACGME staff members and volunteers. Whether you have questions about accreditation standards, want to learn about new initiatives, or need guidance on tools like ADS and ACGME Cloud, the ACGME Hub offers a venue to engage in meaningful conversations and gain clarity on the processes that shape accreditation and GME.
Specialty Updates
This conference provides opportunities to both learn broad strategies and skills, and to narrow your focus to your own specialty. ACGME Executive Directors and Review Committee Chairs will be on hand to provide Specialty Updates, including on recent Review Committee and ACGME activities. These update sessions, taking place February 20-21, offer invaluable insights into evolving standards and expectations across specialties. Don’t miss the chance to engage directly with these leaders, network with others in your field, and refine your understanding of the accreditation process.
Plan Your Conference Experience
The accreditation process is complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At #ACGME2026, you’ll learn directly from the experts, gain practical tools, and connect with peers who share your commitment to excellence in GME. Explore the full schedule and session details on the conference website, and start planning your experience today.
Learn about everything being offered at the conference and register today on the conference website. Early Bird pricing ends Thursday, December 18, 2025!