Advancing Graduate Medical Education: Highlights from the GME Development Fellowship Cohort II

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), in partnership with the UNC Sheps Center, continues to strengthen graduate medical education (GME) through the GME Development Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to support the development and sustainability of residency training programs across the United States. 

The second fellowship cohort includes 26 fellows representing colleges of osteopathic medicine, health systems, community hospitals, workforce organizations, state institutions and rural health initiatives across the country and U.S. territories. Fellows bring expertise in residency education, program development, health policy and workforce planning, creating a diverse learning community focused on expanding physician training opportunities. 

Through a combination of interactive virtual sessions and an in-person meeting at AACOM headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, in December 2025, fellows engaged in expert-led presentations, case-based learning and collaborative discussions addressing real-world challenges in GME development. The in-person session provided opportunities for deeper collaboration, networking and hands-on learning with faculty and peers. 

Across the first six sessions (from October 2025 - March 2026), fellows explored topics central to building sustainable residency programs. Discussions examined the foundational elements of strong GME infrastructure, including leadership structures, faculty development, clinical training environments and long-term financial planning. Participants also explored strategies for communicating the value of GME to health systems and communities, highlighting how residency programs strengthen the physician workforce pipeline, improve patient care and support institutional growth. 

Additional sessions focused on financial modeling and feasibility planning for new residency programs, including the use of proformas and strategies for identifying sustainable funding sources. Fellows also explored Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education sponsoring institution structures, governance models and consortia partnerships, along with state-level initiatives that support GME expansion through mechanisms such as Medicaid GME and workforce development programs. 

A central component of the fellowship is the development of capstone projects that allow fellows to apply fellowship concepts to initiatives within their own institutions and communities. These projects address priorities such as expanding Osteopathic Recognition, developing rural residency programs, integrating telemedicine training, strengthening faculty development and scholarship, improving resident wellness and creating statewide GME technical assistance models. 

The fellowship will conclude later this year with a capstone showcase highlighting innovative strategies to advance GME and expand residency training opportunities nationwide. View current fellows and  

testimonials from fellows and facilitators.