#ACGME2024: Building Community in Global GME through Collaboration
The 2024 ACGME Annual Educational Conference lived up to its reputation as the premier graduate medical education (GME) event in the world. More than 4,400 GME professionals from around the world, representing institutions from more than 20 countries, gathered in Orlando, Florida, US, on 7-9 March 2024 to learn, discuss, share, and network with their colleagues.
The diverse global attendance, where two-thirds of ACGME-I-accredited Sponsoring Institutions from three continents were represented, demonstrated the growing impact of the Annual Educational Conference for speakers, learners, and exhibitors, as well as increasing interest in networking within the ACGME-I community.
ACGME-I played an active role throughout the three-day event, convening various opportunities for attendees. In the companion post, you can read about the conference’s educational sessions.
Time to Network
Attendees took advantage of both formal and informal networking opportunities available throughout the conference, from the opening Marvin R. Dunn Welcoming Poster Reception and Exhibitor Kick-Off to impromptu conversations during meals and coffee breaks.
Colleagues also gathered at the annual International Reception on the evening of 8 March. The relaxed environment allowed attendees to build new and strengthen existing connections with their colleagues, and enjoy a fun event to close out a busy day of learning.
Like in 2023, ACGME-I teamed up with ACGME Global Services to jointly exhibit within the ACGME Hub – the dedicated section of the Exhibit Hall where ACGME departments and initiatives are able to interact with attendees. Many attendees stopped by and learned about the activities of both entities, leading to stimulating discussions and new connections.
Celebrating Excellence
One of the highlights of the ACGME Annual Educational Conference is the Awards Dinner, where the recipients of both the ACGME and ACGME-I Awards are celebrated. During the event on the evening of 7 March, the three winners of the ACGME International Awards – Muhammad Rizwan Khan MBBS, FCPS, FRCS, FACS, MHPE, for Physician Leader; Novera Ghayoor Chughtai MBBS, FCPS, for Physician Educator; and Zehra Mazhar for Staff – were presented with their awards.
You can learn more about the 2024 International Awards winners here, including short Q and A features on each of the awardees.
Promoting and Showcasing International Research
ACGME-I hosted a meeting for medical education researchers from ACGME-I-accredited Sponsoring Institutions and programs. Dr. Lewis, who led the session, announced an upcoming webinar to promote research collaboration, as well as future gatherings of researchers. These future events will be announced in the coming weeks.
A large number of posters were also presented by GME researchers and innovators from around the world as part of the conference’s Poster Hall. Topics were wide-ranging, from the impact of multiple crises on training in Lebanon to developing a communications skills curriculum in Pakistan. Authors were able to share their research and engage with colleagues during the Marvin R. Dunn Poster Reception and Exhibitor Kick-Off event on the evening of 7 March.
A Growing Community
During the Opening Plenary, ACGME President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Nasca, MD, MACP greeted international attendees directly, noting that through various efforts – including ACGME-I, of which Dr. Nasca is also the chair of the Board of Directors – the ACGME’s direct global impact has reached over 1.1 billion people, or almost 14 percent of the world’s population.
This increasing engagement with international attendees will carry over into 2025, as even more global-focused initiatives and sessions are planned for the next ACGME Annual Educational Conference, with the goal of an even more robust and diverse international participation.
We hope to see you all at #ACGME2025, scheduled for 20-22 February 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, US!