Importance of the Radiology Program Coordinator 1

Abstract

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires that each program have a dedicated residency program coordinator (1). This was recently added to the program requirements when it became apparent to the members of the Radiology Residency Review Committee (RRC) that the success of a program was dependent upon the program having such a dedicated person. The ACGME requires there to be a single program director responsible for a diagnostic radiology residency program. This person is accountable for the operation of the program including overseeing and organizing the activities of the educational program in all institutions that participate in the program; preparing an accurate statistical and narrative description of the program as requested by the RRC (as well as updating annually both program and resident records through the ACGME Accreditation Data System); ensuring the implementation of fair policies, grievance procedures, and due process; and seeking prior approval of the RRC for any changes in the program that may significantly alter the educational experience of the residents. The labor-intensive nature of these responsibilities led to the ACGME requirement that the program director be provided at least 1 day per week of protected time to administer the program. The role of the coordinator interfaces with nearly every aspect of the program director’s role. Although the program director is held accountable for every aspect of the program, much of the effort that is involved in administering a program is delegated to the coordinator. It is vitally important that the program director and coordinator have a close and