How Can We Support Rural-Centric Residency Programs as Unified ACGME Accreditation Approaches in 2020?
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) will be the single accrediting body for all osteopathic and allopathic residencies beginning in 2020. All small and rural residencies face vulnerabilities in achieving and maintaining accreditation, but osteopathic residencies may now be particularly challenged. Through a review of ACGME applications, interviews, and a survey of programs, this study seeks to identify challenges as well as resources and solutions that can support rural and small residency programs in primary care and several other specialties critical to rural communities.