Resource Center

This report is from the second of two conferences sponsored by the Josia Macy Jr. Foundation focused on ensuring an effective physician workforce for America.  This conference - which took place in May, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia -  was chaired by Debra Weinstein, MD.  This report examines the structure, content, and efficiency of training in graduate medical education.

Conclusions from the conference:

1. GME must meet the needs of - and be accountable to - the public.

2. High-quality GME requires experience with a diverse mix of patients, clinical problems, and health care delivery mechanisms to support a curriculum that  addresses evolving patient, population, and health care system needs and expectations.

3. There is both need and opportunity for greater efficiency in delivering GME. Accomplishing this will also help to address national physician workforce needs, while enhancing the quality of training.

4. Medical education represents a continuum of lifelong learning. Phases and transitions between the phases of medical education should be examined with regard to coordination, efficiency, and appropriate performance assessment.

Medical education represents a continuum of lifelong learning. Phases and transitions between the phases of medical education should be examined with regard to coordination, efficiency, and appropriate performance assessment.

5. GME must be organized and supported at the institutional and national levels to ensure that residency and fellowship programs are 1) designed and conducted according to sound, broadly endorsed educational practices, within an environment conducive to education; and 2) given sufficient flexibility to innovate and achieve optimal outcomes.

6. Health professions education requires a robust body of knowledge - beyond what is currently available - to optimize quality and outcomes.