This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2026 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These 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 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 19-21, 2026, in San Diego, California.
2026 Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Awardee Chantal Littrean, MPH, C-TAGME is the administrator for internal medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Ms. Littrean: Prior to my role as administrator/coordinator, I had no prior health care or academic medicine experience, but I quickly gained knowledge and transitioned from my computer science background to GME. Thanks to the support of extraordinary coordinators, marked by profound learning and a commitment to self-development, and to share knowledge, I have been able to gain substantial responsibility throughout my tenure in GME. It’s been over 22 years in the making of my career in academic medicine, with challenges and professional growth (as expected in life).
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Littrean: This moment marks a unique and cherished recognition, one that demonstrates excellence to improving GME programs. I am deeply honored as a recipient of this prestigious award. The Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award is an affirmation that my mission and contribution as program coordinator is validated, and that hard work and effort never goes unnoticed. Coordinators wear many hats and must navigate complex systems, manage programs sometimes under limited resources, and are key members of the leadership team and critical to the program’s success. Receiving this award means my contribution made a pivotal and positive influence to my program’s success.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Littrean: The most rewarding part of being a coordinator is the impact we can make in the lives of especially the residents, our programs, other coordinators, and our community. There’s a sense of pride and fulfillment knowing my contribution and work in GME makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. This could be as simple as lending an open ear to a resident, assisting in program compliance, or knowledge-sharing to other coordinators, or as much as supporting and participating in community health fair events. It’s all with the intention of making a difference and improving lives.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Littrean: A coordinator’s role is never static and demands constant reinvention and adaptation to a role that’s ever evolving. The most challenging part of being a coordinator is the ability to efficiently shift between multiple responsibilities and maintain the highest standards for all stakeholders. This role is both uniquely challenging and profoundly rewarding in making meaningful differences at all levels across the GME community.
ACGME: What advice do you have for brand-new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Littrean: My advice to brand-new coordinators is to have patience and a willingness to learn and develop new skills. Where there is lack in proficiency or skillset, there is an abundance of resources, platforms, forums, workshops, and networks available, along with your institution that will help you thrive in your daily operation of GME programs. I’ve learned that there is never a stupid question, because the same (stupid) question when answered resolves many issues shared by others with the same query who felt it was insignificant to ask.
ACGME: Is there anything else you would like to add I haven’t asked about?
Littrean: As one of the Program Coordinator Wellness Committee members for my institution, I encourage all program coordinators and members of GME to practice daily wellness within your organization and residency programs and create a supportive environment to identify and practice meaningful strategies to reduce stress and burnout and improve health and well-being in GME and personally.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award here.