The third day of the conference featured a morning of inspiring talks, including the President’s Plenary with ACGME President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Nasca, MD, MACP, and a special fireside chat, “Rediscovering Meaning in Medicine” with Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Speaker Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, 19th surgeon general of the United States. The conference wrapped up Sunday morning with “Conversations with the CEO,” at which Dr. Nasca responded to questions submitted throughout the conference.

Dr. Nasca addresses racial unrest in the United States and identifies how the ACGME can take on the challenging work required to root out racism and injustice, and foster equity, mutual understanding, kindness, and justice in medicine.

The theme of the 2021 ACGME Annual Educational Conference evokes not one but two key elements to what a conference experience in 2021 must provide: Meaning in Medicine: Mastering the Moment.

This post in our Resources to Support GME series focuses on ACGME tools, educational opportunities, and resources for institutional and program coordinators.

ACGME President and CEO Thomas J. Nasca, MD, MACP recorded a message for all residents and fellows completing their education program this spring—in the midst of a global pandemic, caring for patients on the front lines.

Though the 2022 Annual Educational Conference will be held in a virtual environment, consistent with the conference theme of Meaning in Medicine: Rebuilding Connections, engaging and valuable networking opportunities are planned to provide participants with ways to meet new colleagues and reconnect with longstanding friends.

Jamie Dow, EdM, is assistant director for resident education and training at the University of Florida. Her poster, Mindfulness in Neurosurgery: Improving Neurosurgeon Wellness in Training and Beyond (with co-authors W. Christopher Fox, MD, Associate Program Director, University of Florida, and Gregory Murad, MD, Program Director, University of Florida), looked at wellness in neurosurgery, which Dow says “has traditionally been considered an oxymoron.” However, as priorities among neurological surgery residents evolve and the effects of physician burnout are increasingly recognized across specialties, life balance and overall well-being have become areas of emphasis and an opportunity for program improvement.

The 2021 ACGME Annual Educational Conference offers unique opportunities for new and experienced program directors to come together virtually to learn, connect, and recharge.