Graduate Medical Education: A Primer on Trends, Funding, and Programs
Graduate Medical Education (GME) is a vital component of our healthcare system at both the national and local levels. At the national level, it is the key link between medical school, licensure, and board certification, ensuring an adequate supply of well-trained physicians to meet our country’s healthcare needs. On a more local level, GME programs are among the most important components of physician recruitment and have a direct impact on staffing, productivity, and the delivery of quality care.
Many healthcare professionals, consultants, and planners have some knowledge of GME, yet relatively few have a full understanding of all facets of GME. This report is intended as a general primer. For those new to GME, it provides a broad overview. For seasoned professionals, it may help fill in gaps in knowledge.
Topics covered include:
The difference between medical degrees, state licensure, and board eligibility
Sponsoring institutions and sites of care
The GME pipeline and projected physician shortages
GME funding sources and challenges
GME governance and program requirements
Residency positions by specialty and gender
The structure of major residency specialty programs
Residency impacts on productivity
Resident time allocation
By Donovan Gow, Phyllis Klawsky and Ayse Forier | July 2020
