Transition in the Time of Disruption: Practical Guidance to Support the Move from UME to GME

The COVID-19 global pandemic has disrupted almost all aspects of life. Medical education has been no exception, but through it all, our community has exhibited remarkable innovation and resilience. Throughout the crisis, both medical students and residents have selflessly provided care for patients, oftentimes sacrificing elements of their own professional development, while deepening care to others.

As we approach a new academic year, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates | Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (ECFMG | FAIMER) have come together to develop voluntary guidance, toolkits, and other resources to assist in the transition of 2021 medical school graduates into their first post-graduate year of medical education and training. This assistance is designed to support residency programs in delivering safe, high-quality patient care, as well as the wellbeing, professional development, and equitable treatment of incoming residents as they begin their journey to the independent practice of medicine.

Our four organizations, along with our multiple partner organizations involved in undergraduate and graduate medical education, recognize we are all in this together. It is imperative we all recognize the remarkable challenges the incoming interns have faced over the last year and the challenges they will face as they transition to residency. The incoming intern class has already demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment to excellent care. Medical school and residency are intensely developmental experiences, made even more so in the face of an ongoing and unprecedented pandemic. Medical schools and residency programs must take on the work of transition, emphasizing learners’ well-being and professional development while also ensuring patient safety.

View and download the Toolkit (PDF)

View the ACGME press release