AACOM Hosts Joint Conference Aimed at Growing Urgently Needed Residency Slots
Published January 20, 2022
Advancing their shared goal of growing graduate medical education (GME), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)’s Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators and the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) hosted a half-day virtual conference on January 18 to explore methods to successfully expand GME.
Advancing their shared goal of growing graduate medical education (GME), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)’s Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators and the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) hosted a half-day virtual conference on January 18 to explore methods to successfully expand GME.
“It was great to partner with AIAMC on this important half-day conference,” says Alegneta Long, AACOM’s vice president of GME initiatives. “By providing this opportunity for learning and collaboration, we are helping to share best practices and highlight successes on growing GME that can be replicated by others across the country.”
Successful models for growing GME exist and follow similar patterns: engaging leadership, ensuring funding and meeting the needs of the population. The conference spotlighted a successful partnership between the Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center and the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Leaders of these institutions discussed how they built their partnership and shared lessons on forging strategic alliances with GME leadership.
CAPT Paul Jung, director of the Division of Medicine and Dentistry at the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Bureau of Health Workforce, also presented on building and expanding GME. AACOM Government Relations (GR) staff David Bergman, JD, vice president of GR, and Julie Crocket, director of GR, provided updates on GME funding and legislation.
“It is crucial that Congress and the Administration focus on expanding GME and ensuring that there is focus on rural and underserved communities,” says Bergman. “AACOM is committed to partnering with hospitals and medical educators to increase physician residency opportunities.”
“AACOM President and CEO Dr. Cain and I believe today’s informative and inspiring program will serve as a springboard for a path forward that brings rightful attention to the outstanding education delivered by the members of AIAMC and AACOM,” says Kimberly Pierce Burke, executive director, AIAMC.
Please join AACOM in advocating for GME expansion by connecting with Congress through our Action Center.