Reflections on a Crisis in Graduate Medical Education: The Closure of Hahnemann University Hospital

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Hospital Administration
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Hahnemann University Hospital (HUH), a major U.S. teaching hospital, closed in June 2019.
• The closure resulted in the displacement of over 550 residents, fellows, and other trainees.
• This event impacted numerous stakeholders, including trainees, hospital staff, and accreditation bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the experiences of Designated Institutional Officials (DIOs) from HUH and surrounding teaching hospitals.
• To share lessons learned in managing the closure of graduate medical education (GME) programs.
• To provide recommendations for future teaching hospital closures.

Main Methods:

• This Invited Commentary is based on the firsthand experiences of DIOs involved in the HUH closure.
• It synthesizes challenges and strategies encountered in relocating displaced trainees.
• The commentary offers insights from multiple perspectives of involved institutions.

Main Results:

• The closure presented unprecedented challenges due to the rarity of such an event.
• Coordinated efforts were crucial in finding new training opportunities for displaced residents and fellows.
• Lack of prior experience and a standardized procedure complicated the process.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative
• playbook
• is essential for managing future teaching hospital closures.
• Proactive planning and inter-organizational cooperation can mitigate the chaos and disruption experienced.
• Developing standardized protocols will ensure a smoother transition for trainees and institutions.