Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
©2023 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Page 16 of 54
Each program requires a lead administrative person, frequently referred to as a
program coordinator, administrator, or as otherwise titled by the institution. This
person will frequently manage the day-to-day operations of the program and serve as
an important liaison and facilitator between the learners, faculty and other staff
members, and the ACGME. Individuals serving in this role are recognized as program
coordinators by the ACGME.
The program coordinator is a key member of the leadership team and is critical to the
success of the program. As such, the program coordinator must possess skills in
leadership and personnel management appropriate to the complexity of the program.
Program coordinators are expected to develop in-depth knowledge of the ACGME and
Program Requirements, including policies and procedures. Program coordinators
assist the program director in meeting accreditation requirements, educational
programming, and support of residents.
Programs, in partnership with their Sponsoring Institutions, should encourage the
professional development of their program coordinators and avail them of
opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Programs with fewer
residents may not require a full-time coordinator; one coordinator may support more
than one program.
The minimum required dedicated time and support specified in II.C.2.a) is inclusive of
activities directly related to administration of the accredited program. It is understood
that coordinators often have additional responsibilities, beyond those directly related
to program administration, including, but not limited to, departmental administrative
responsibilities, medical school clerkships, planning lectures that are not solely
intended for the accredited program, and mandatory reporting for entities other than
the ACGME. Assignment of these other responsibilities will necessitate consideration
of allocation of additional support so as not to preclude the coordinator from devoting
the time specified above solely to administrative activities that support the accredited
program.
In addition, it is important to remember that the dedicated time and support
requirement for ACGME activities is a minimum, recognizing that, depending on the
unique needs of the program, additional support may be warranted. The need to
ensure adequate resources, including adequate support and dedicated time for the
program coordinator, is also addressed in Institutional Requirement II.B.4. The amount
of support and dedicated time needed for individual programs will vary based on a
number of factors and may exceed the minimum specified in the applicable
specialty/subspecialty-specific Program Requirements. It is expected that the
Sponsoring Institution, in partnership with its accredited programs, will ensure support
for program directors, core faculty members, and program coordinators to fulfill their
program responsibilities effectively.
II.D. Other Program Personnel
The program, in partnership with its Sponsoring Institution, must jointly
ensure the availability of necessary personnel for the effective
administration of the program.
(Core)