This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 20-22, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2025 GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Awardee Marcie Becker, MEd is the director of graduate medical education at MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Ms. Becker: I am honored to receive this award and to be recognized by the GME community. The award signifies all the meaningful hard work and dedication for the past 20 years.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator at the institutional level?
Becker: The most rewarding part of my position is hearing from our graduates when they reach out to say thank you. I hear from our graduates about various topics—making their time at MetroHealth so special, listening, helping them with personal or program issues, guiding them, or being a friendly face.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator at the institutional level?
Becker: The most challenging part of my position is not being able to interact with our residents and fellows on a daily basis. I wish I was able to interact with more learners, but it is so difficult with the number of residents and fellows and the fact that we are all so busy.
ACGME: What advice do you have for new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Becker: My advice to new coordinators is that the beginning is the hardest, but it gets easier and more rewarding. Get to know your program director or designated institutional official (DIO) and establish a good working relationship. Knowing the requirements is always helpful.
ACGME: Is there anything else you would like to add that we haven’t asked about?
Becker: I would like to thank my DIO, Dr. Abdulla Ghori. He is a wonderful colleague, mentor, and friend. I have been able to grow, develop, and learn so much with him as my teammate. I have been very fortunate to work with so many amazing physicians, residents, and fellows over the years. I am honored to be part of GME and to represent the MetroHealth System.
Learn more about the ACGME’s GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving individual for the 2026 award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.