The 2024 ACGME Annual Educational Conference offers myriad opportunities for residents and fellows to explore, connect, and grow in their careers. The conference provides a unique platform for residents and fellows to gain insights into the diverse facets of graduate medical education (GME), empowering them to make informed choices about their professional futures.
The conference theme of Meaning in Medicine underscores the need for sustaining purpose and joy in work as residents and fellows begin their careers, and to remember the fundamental influences that called them to the profession.
Plenary Sessions: Wisdom from National Leaders
Powerful and topically important Featured Plenaries offer the chance to hear leaders in GME sharing invaluable insights and information. This year’s plenaries cover crucial topics of interest to GME, including GME finances, the care of the disabled and the role of GME in that care, the generative AI revolution, and the impact of recent US Supreme Court affirmative action decisions on GME.
In the Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address, in a talk entitled “Improving the Culture of Residency,” visionary educators will share highlights and results of national cluster-randomized pragmatic trials in GME, developed through a partnership of the ACGME, the American College of Surgeons, the American Board of Surgery, and the Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center at Indiana University School of Medicine.
And like all attendees, residents and fellows won’t want to miss two opportunities to hear from ACGME President and CEO Dr. Thomas J. Nasca's: the President’s Plenary and the Closing Plenary, “Conversations with the CEO.” Dr. Nasca is internationally recognized for his profound understanding of the challenges, trends, and innovations shaping the GME landscape.
Connect with Other Professionals
Residents and fellows can forge lasting connections with educational leaders from a variety of roles in GME. From designated institutional officials and program directors to coordinators and other learners, conference networking events provide a unique platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build a lasting and valuable association of professional contacts.
Find a mentor and/or mentee at the conference by picking up a “Happy to Be Your Mentor” or “Will You Be My Mentor?” badge ribbon at Registration. The ACGME will provide a place for mentors and mentees to convene in the Career Resources area of the Exhibit Hall.
One special networking opportunity is the Toast on the Terrace with ACGME Leadership, which will immediately follow the Closing Plenary. Attendees are invited to mingle with ACGME leaders and staff members, as well as colleagues, to reflect on the conference and celebrate the connections made over the previous days.
Innovations Unveiled: Exploring the Exhibit Hall
Residents and fellows can immerse themselves in the future of medicine by strolling through the Exhibit Hall, where innovation takes center stage. Engage with industry leaders representing academic journals and publications, professional associations, wellness and well-being experts, and pioneers in educational and administrative solutions. You can also meet ACGME staff members in the ACGME Hub to ask questions and learn about ACGME initiatives in well-being; diversity, equity, and inclusion; international activities; the Journal of Graduate Medical Education; the Clinical Learning Environment Review Program; and others. On the lighter side, Exhibit Hall activities are designed to make the experience not just educational but enjoyable too. Read more about what’s going on in this year’s Exhibit Hall in this post. There are even opportunities to give back to the community through organized volunteering.
Outstanding resources for physicians beginning their careers are also available in the Exhibit Hall, including headshot photography (during Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception), and a professional resume writer/editor, as well as an online listing of available job openings to explore.
Scholarly Dialogue: Poster Sessions with Leading Scholars
Dive into cutting-edge research by perusing posters during Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception. Talk with poster presenters who will share their insights into the latest developments in GME. Engage in discussions that will spark inspiration and foster a culture of continuous learning. Learn more about the posters at two oral poster sessions on Saturday. And finally, a third oral poster session will feature previous ACGME Back to Bedside projects developed and led by residents and fellows. Learn more about Back to Bedside, which is currently soliciting proposals for the next round of funding, on the ACGME website.
Educational Odyssey: Informative Educational Sessions
The heart of the conference is its diverse, informative, and engaging sessions covering detailed information on all aspects of GME. Explore the intricacies of ACGME accreditation and initiatives; delve into discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion; uncover the keys to faculty and professional development; gain insights into crucial aspects of well-being and crisis management; and more. Sessions are crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of GME, empowering participants with new knowledge, skills, and resources.
More than 130 sessions will be offered at this year’s conference. For a complete list of sessions, review the ACGME conference schedule.
The 2024 ACGME Annual Educational Conference is not just an event; it can be a transformative experience for residents and fellows eager to learn about careers in GME and connect with other GME professionals. Seize this opportunity to shape your future in GME. We encourage you to register before December 20 when rates increase.
We hope to see you at the conference!