Radiology residency program management post-pandemic-peak: looking down the curve and around the bend

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Program Management
• Public Health Crises

Background:

• The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) established a 3-stage model for managing residency programs during pandemics.
• This model is insufficient for addressing the full spectrum of challenges encountered.
• The need for a more comprehensive framework is evident.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an expanded 5-stage model for residency program management.
• To incorporate post-pandemic-peak challenges into the existing framework.
• To enhance the adaptability and resilience of residency programs.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development based on ACGME framework.
• Identification of key challenges in post-pandemic residency education.
• Analysis of evolving educational and clinical demands.

Main Results:

• The proposed 5-stage model includes 'Increased non-COVID clinical demands' and 'Business as usual, redefined'.
• Stage 4 addresses balancing social distancing with increased clinical workload and educational missions.
• Stage 5 tackles uncertainties in board examinations, job markets, and medical student interest in radiology.

Conclusions:

• The 3-stage ACGME model requires expansion to effectively manage residency programs post-pandemic.
• The proposed 5-stage model provides a framework for addressing new clinical and educational challenges.
• The post-pandemic era presents opportunities to innovate and strengthen residency programs for the future.