GME coordinators establish wellness committee to address stress and burnout

GME coordinators gathered at Taco Mama before

Match Day and onboarding season.

While stress and burnout are common among medical students, residents and fellows, internal medicine graduate medical education (GME) program coordinators at USA Health say that extends to their roles as well.  

Various research backs it up. Multiple studies cited in publications such as the Journal of Graduate Medical Education indicate that, nationally, most GME coordinators are overwhelmed and overworked. 

Since 2017, wellness has been part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Common Program Requirements, a basic set of standards in training and preparing resident and fellow physicians, but the emphasis on psychological, emotional, and physical well-being seems to be neglected when it comes to the program coordinators.  

In response, Brant Weindorf and Kim Eardley, GME coordinators in the Department of Internal Medicine, have started the Program Coordinators Advocating for Wellness (PCAW), a committee dedicated to improving well-being and providing support for their peers. Both will serve as co-chairs of the committee. 

“Our role as program coordinators has evolved so much in the last few years that it can easily become overwhelming and stressful. PCAW has the ability to bridge the gap between specialties and connect coordinators together outside of work,” Weindorf said. “No one understands the effort that goes into this job quite like other coordinators!” 

The committee’s first event, Margaritas Before Match, welcomed all coordinators to socialize at Taco Mama in Midtown to celebrate each other and prepare for onboarding season.   

“Our debut event was a promising sign of how much a committee like this is needed on campus,” he said. “I'm very excited to have created and co-chair this committee with Kim, and together use our talents to shape the well-being of program coordinators at USA Health.” 

Eardley said they sensed the need to improve, educate, and advocate for the well-being of program coordinators through wellness-focused activities and events throughout the year. 

Proposed activities include social events, physical wellness challenges and education, professional development sessions, and volunteer opportunities in the health system.  

“Through PCAW, we have the potential to benefit both program coordinators and graduate medical education by promoting healthier lifestyles, increasing productivity, enhancing coordinator engagement, and fostering a positive work environment,” Eardley said. “It is truly about the atmosphere, teamwork, and the desire to succeed together. It is time to finally give stress the day off!"