Everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of where they live. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health care, the ACGME proudly supports National Rural Health Day and the development of graduate medical education (GME) to enhance access to and availability of health care in rural and medically underserved areas and populations (MUA/Ps). The ACGME is committed to improving health care access and availability in rural and MUA/Ps through several initiatives and resources. In advance of National Rural Health Day, this year taking place November 21, this post will highlight some of those efforts.
Supporting Rural Health Through Accreditation
ACGME Rural Track Program Designation supports the development of GME in rural areas, aiming to address the specific health care needs of these communities. An ACGME Rural Track Program (RTP) is an ACGME-accredited program in which more than half of the education of all or some residents/fellows takes place in a rural area.
MUA/Ps often face significant health care shortages, and the ACGME works to ensure that residents and fellows in programs with RTP designation are prepared to meet these critical needs. To support this work, the MUA/P Advisory Group, comprised of volunteers who contribute their insights and expertise in this aspect of health care and health education, plays a vital role in guiding the implementation of the ACGME’s MUA/P and GME framework and ensuring the most pressing health care challenges in underserved areas are effectively addressed.
Resources and Community Engagement
The ACGME’s digital learning platform, Learn at ACGME, features a comprehensive MUA/P and GME Resource Center that’s designed for GME community members involved in addressing the needs of MUA/Ps. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge, solving common challenges, and accessing valuable resources.
The ACGME also hosts monthly MUA/P Interest Group sessions to provide a forum for the GME community to share experiences and best practices, and to collaborate on solutions. Information about these sessions is provided through the ACGME’s weekly e-Communication and social media accounts, and registration is free.
Another way to find out more about the latest developments from the ACGME in these areas and hear from those involved in supporting MUA/Ps through the “Partnerships to Establish and Sustain Rural GME” series, here on the ACGME Blog. The series features interviews with those working in GME in MUA/Ps, and to-date includes conversations with institutional and program leaders from the Osteopathic Medical Education Consortium of Oklahoma, Inc.; Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital; Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, and more.
Celebrating Rural Health Day
We invite you to join us in recognizing the “Power of Rural.” Access our resources, join our MUA/P Interest Group sessions, and reach out if you’re interested in participating in our Q and A series on this Blog or to connect with a previous interviewee!