This edition of the ACGME's e-Communication includes information on ACGME Board actions, the new Emergency and Non-Emergency Category designations for programs dealing with an influx of COVID-19 patients, calls for resident and public members for Review Committees, and more.

The ACGME is issuing supplemental guidance regarding how a Sponsoring Institution’s days in Emergency Category status will be counted; protection of resident, fellow, and faculty member health and safety; and assessment of residents and fellows.

Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, West Virginia will close inpatient and ancillary services by July 30, 2020. Eighteen residents will be displaced and the ACGME has opened ADS to aid with resident transfers. 

The Coalition for Physician Accountability, of which the ACGME is a member, released a report and recommendations on learner transitions from medical school into residency programs in 2020.

“While our languages may differ, physicians’ commitment is the same.” The ACGME is proud to share a video produced by ACGME International addressing physicians’ dedication during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

These new requirements that all accredited US residency and fellowship programs follow in preparing today's physicians for practice reinforce a culture of patient safety and physician well-being by focusing on patient-centered, team-based care.

The member organizations of the Coalition for Physician Accountability have released the following statement in support of strengthened efforts that must be in place to safeguard the public, and to protect our nation’s health care workforce.