We’re all in this together: Impressions from the 3rd Annual Residency Program Management Workshop

By: Julie McCoy September 30th, 2008

After the intensive two days at our 3rd Annual Residency Program Management Workshop in Chicago, I hope all attendees returned home safely and are implementing what they learned in their own programs.

During the workshop, I had an incredible time talking with program directors and coordinators about the amazing things they’re doing in their training programs. As attendees networked and shared their comments during the Q&A portion of the presentations, I heard many sighs of relief as directors and coordinators realized they’re not standing on an island all alone trying to run an efficient program and graduate competent physicians.

As the panel of speakers said, we’re all in this together. We’re all trying to figure out what systems-based practice is, we’re all trying to get faculty to turn in accurate evaluations, we’re all trying to solve the portfolio puzzle, and we’re all trying to figure out how to run a top-notch educational program while keeping up with the latest regulatory standards.

Speaker Hershey Bell, MD, hit the nail on the head when he said the ACGME Outcome Project and the idea of competency-based education in GME are both so new that the only resources for guidance, tools, and processes that work are our fellow program directors and coordinators.

I felt attendees wholeheartedly agreed as more than one person told me they’re “thirsty for this information”. The workshop helped quench that thirst. Participants not only received fantastic advice from our panel of speakers, attendees also shared their own field-tested methods and best practices.

Between this blog and our Residency Coordinator Chat listserv, I’ve seen how powerful and productive it can be when a bunch of program managers get together virtually. But, it blew me away to see the ideas program managers can generate when they’re face-to-face at an event like this! I can’t wait for next year’s seminar, October 21-22, 2009 in Atlanta.

Look for a post tomorrow detailing some of the great tips our speakers gave during their presentations.

Comments(2) Educational Resources, General Interest, Program Management

Comments

By Amy Carrasco on October 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Great conference! I am looking forward to next years and will bring more people from my organization.

Dr. Bell was fantastic!

By Laura Manore on October 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

This was the most informative and interactive residency conference I have been to yet. I came back feeling more confident and with more ideas than I knew what to do with. I will definitely return next year and encourage other coordinators at our institution to attend. Thanks to HCPro, Julie and the panel for creating a superb seminar.