Thank you for your messages, emails, calls, and conversations regarding the proposed changes to the ACGME Program Requirements. We recognize the significant impact these changes could have on emergency medicine training programs, institutions, and our specialty. We want to clearly acknowledge the concerns, particularly surrounding the proposal for a universal four-year training format. We also hear the call for a more structured organizational response from CORD and want to provide the following statement:
Our mission is to support all our member programs and their critical work to educate the next generation of emergency physicians. We are committed to facilitating conversations between important stakeholders and ensuring that all member voices are represented in these discussions.
Our recent efforts include:
- Engaging with the RRC: We invited RRC members to present at the Academic Assembly, extending their session to allow for nearly an hour of questions and discussion. We also hosted in-person sessions to facilitate direct communication with the RRC members in smaller settings. The recording and slides from the RRC Update are available for those who were unable to attend.
- Addressing GME Finances: A late-breaking session at the Academic Assembly focused on GME finances, enhancing our community’s understanding of the financial implications of proposed changes. The recording and slides from this session are also available.
- Encouraging Public Comment: To ensure all voices are heard, we have emphasized participation in the ACGME’s public comment process as a key avenue for advocacy.
CORD exists to support our members in fulfilling their educational mission and accreditation requirements. While we are not a regulatory body, we respect institutional autonomy and recognize the value of diverse approaches to training emergency physicians. We strongly believe that the most effective way to communicate with the EM RRC is through the review and comment process, presenting both concerns and support in a professional, data-driven manner.
This is a complex issue with diverse perspectives across our membership. We encourage respectful dialogue that includes all viewpoints, especially those that challenge our own beliefs. Productive engagement requires that all voices be heard, including those we may individually disagree with. We believe in the capacity of our tremendous community of educators to productively engage with the new proposal and work toward our shared goal of providing the highest possible quality of training for future emergency physicians.
CORD remains committed to thoughtful advocacy and engagement. If you have specific concerns or would like guidance on framing or submitting your response to the ACGME, the CORD Board is available to help. Please reach out to any Board member directly or contact us at cord@cordem.org with “Conversation Request” in the subject line, and our staff will facilitate a timely connection.
Thank you for your dedication to our organization and our specialty.