July marks the beginning of a new academic year in graduate medical education (GME) and thousands of physicians will step into their new roles as residents and fellows. This transition brings both excitement and challenge, with new responsibilities, unfamiliar environments, and evolving expectations. The ACGME recognizes the significance of this pivotal moment and remains committed to supporting residents, fellows, and the programs and institutions that educate and guide them.
The ACGME has collated a range of resources and references designed to promote well-being, support professional growth, and ensure a strong start to the year. The ACGME continues to develop and share new and updated resources, so visit the ACGME website and our digital learning platform, Learn at ACGME, regularly for the latest. Note that a free account is required to access most content in Learn at ACGME.
Resources for Residents and Fellows
Common Program Requirements and Related Materials
The starting point for all in GME, and especially at the beginning of a new academic year, is the ACGME Common Program Requirements. This basic set of standards for all residency and fellowship programs, along with the applicable specialty- and subspecialty-specific Program Requirements, are available on the ACGME website.
- The Common Program Requirements apply to all GME programs, regardless of specialty or subspecialty.
- The specialty- and subspecialty-specific Program Requirements incorporate the Common Program Requirements (in bold) and are available in each specialty’s section of the ACGME website, under the Program Requirements and FAQs and Applications tab. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to most sets of Program Requirements are also available on the same page.
- The ACGME FAQs provide additional context about the role of the ACGME, accreditation, clarify common misconceptions about the organization, and help to improve understanding across the GME community.
Back to Bedside
The ACGME’s Back to Bedside initiative continues to empower residents and fellows to develop innovative projects that foster meaning and joy in clinical work. Since 2017, the ACGME has supported more than 100 Back to Bedside projects. Information about current and past projects is available to explore and may serve as inspiration throughout your GME journey.
ACGME Cloud | Analytics
Those interested in conducting research may want to access historical and current GME data related to accreditation. Launched over the last year, this resource includes a more dynamic and expansive view of data formerly included in the ACGME’s annual Data Resource Book, with information on aggregate residents, aggregate fellows, programs, Sponsoring Institutions, and more.
Milestones
Residents and fellows are assessed twice annually on the specialty-specific Milestones, which provide a framework for evaluating individual progression in knowledge, skills, and professional development.
Milestones are not intended to represent the entirety of a discipline or function as a curriculum. Importantly, the Milestones’ primary purpose is to drive improvement in GME programs and enhance the resident and fellow educational experience. They are not tools designed to negatively affect program accreditation. Instead, they serve as a guide for thoughtful evaluation of programs and individual development.
A variety of Milestones-related resources are available, including the Milestones Guidebook for Residents and Fellows, developed with input from residents and fellows. These tools can help residents and fellows better understand expectations and track their own growth over time.
Physician Well-Being
The ACGME shares tools and resources to promote well-being at both the individual and systems levels. Many are available through Learn at ACGME.
Highlighted Resources:
- The ACGME Well-Being Podcast series feature expert perspectives on topics such as the transition to residency, burnout, imposter syndrome, and navigating challenging clinical experiences. Access the full podcast series on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Learn at ACGME.
- The Mental Health and Well-Being During Transitions resources are designed to help programs and institutions support residents and fellows during periods of change and increased vulnerability.
Resident/Fellow Survey
The annual ACGME Resident/Fellow Survey is conducted anonymously and provides valuable insight into the learning environment within accredited programs. The survey is distributed in the Spring each year and residents and fellows will learn about when the survey becomes available from their programs. Participation is required for all programs, regardless of size, and helps the ACGME Review Committees identify potential areas of non-compliance with accreditation requirements.
Moving Forward Together
The start of a new academic year is a chance to recommit to the shared purpose of advancing patient care through education, learning, and service. Whether beginning a residency or fellowship or continuing to the next stage of learning and training, residents and fellows are not alone in this journey.
To stay connected and access the latest resources, visit the ACGME website and explore Learn at ACGME, where new tools, updates, and learning opportunities are regularly added.