The Full-Day Course for program directors, “Be the Best Program Director You Can Be,” returns to the 2027 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 25-27, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas. Historically one of the most valuable conference experiences for program directors, the Full-Day Course is designed to help attendees deepen their understanding of the accreditation process, connect with other program directors, and participate in relevant professional development.
What Program Directors Can Expect
Designed with the needs of program directors in mind, the course combines foundational information about ACGME accreditation with opportunities for discussion, practical learning, and engagement with colleagues and ACGME leaders and volunteers. New this year, the course will include two breakout sessions with multiple options to choose from based on experience level.
The course provides an opportunity for program directors to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities and spend focused time exploring the topics, questions, and challenges that shape their role. Interactive elements also give participants opportunities to learn from one another, exchange perspectives, and consider how lessons from the course can be applied within their own programs.
Core Content Areas
Designed to address foundational topics important to both new and seasoned program directors, this year’s agenda includes:
- An ACGME overview, presented by ACGME Chief Accreditation Officer Mary Klingensmith, MD
- Panel of current program directors: What I Wish I Knew When I Was Getting Started, presented by Maria Martinez-Lage Alvarez, MD; Joanna Lewis, MD, FAAP; and Erica Schuyler, MD; moderated by ACGME Senior Vice President, Accreditation Nikhil Goyal, MBBS
- Small group work to review common scenarios in the life of a program director
- Coping with Stress and Still Thriving, presented by Stuart Slavin, MD and ACGME Director, Resident Experience, Well-Being, and Milestones Research Nicholas Yaghmour, MPP
- Ensuring Success Through Collaborative Practices, presented by Kathryn Xixis, MD and Terry Xixis, C-TAGME
- Breakout sessions offering practical guidance on navigating accreditation and program review, understanding ACGME requirements, strengthening evaluation and assessment practices, and avoiding common citations
Together, these topics help program directors better understand accreditation requirements and processes, and the larger context behind their work, including the resources available to support them.
Connect with ACGME Experts and Fellow Program Directors
One of the course’s distinguishing features is the opportunity to learn from and engage with ACGME staff members and volunteers, while also connecting with program directors from across the GME community.
These conversations give participants a chance to hear different perspectives, discuss common challenges, ask questions, and build relationships they can carry with them after the conference.
Who Should Attend
The Full-Day Course is designed primarily for program directors who are newer to the role, while offering relevant insights and opportunities for program directors at any stage of their careers.
For newer program directors, the course provides a concentrated introduction to important accreditation concepts and responsibilities. More experienced program directors can benefit from revisiting key topics, exchanging ideas with peers, and engaging directly with ACGME leaders and colleagues from across GME.
With its combination of accreditation information, professional development, peer connection, and access to ACGME expertise, this Full-Day Course gives program directors an opportunity to begin #ACGME2027 with practical information and new perspectives they can bring back to their programs.
The session schedule for the 2027 ACGME Annual Educational Conference is live! Take a look and start thinking about all you want to attend at #ACGME2027. And be sure to sign up to be notified as soon as registration opens.