Optimizing the Learning and Working Environment for Radiology Residents

Abstract

In the newest revision of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Common Program Requirements, substantial changes were made to section VI now entitled "The Learning and Working Environment." The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education expanded section VI to include patient safety, quality improvement, supervision, accountability, well-being, and fatigue mitigation realizing work hours represent only one part of the work environment. These new requirements prompted us to evaluate our current curriculum, including our current tools for meeting program requirements such as the didactic lecture series and tracking resident progress in our Clinical Competency Committee, and identified areas of our curriculum that were lacking or could be improved upon. This assessment leads to incorporation of innovative and novel strategies to not only satisfy the requirements but also to engage our trainees throughout the process. Our model can be used as an example for other residency programs looking for ways to fulfill these new requirements.