Supporting Care Transformation Through a Comprehensive Graduate Medical Education Curricular Program in a Department of Internal Medicine

Background

The imperative to train physicians in skills required to lead care transformation is increasingly recognized, yet few Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs exist to meet this need.

Aim

Describe the development, outcomes, and lessons learned from a novel GME care transformation curricular program.

Setting

Department of Internal Medicine (IM) at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas, Austin.

Participants

Between 2020 and 2023, 33 IM residents and fellows completed training with participation in the Care Transformation program.

Program Description

Department leadership developed a comprehensive educational and experiential program that included (1) Dell Medical School-wide Distinction in Care Transformation curriculum; (2) Primary Care Residency track with care transformation projects; (3) participation in the national Veterans Affairs Chief Resident in Quality and Safety program; and (4) Hospital Medicine Fellowship in Quality and Safety.

Program Evaluation

Each trainee led a care transformation project spanning a variety of topics and settings. Graduates who responded to a follow-up survey (22 of 33 graduates) reported they used skills learned through the program in their current roles and these experiences better prepared them for fellowship and/or faculty positions.

Discussion

The Care Transformation program provides real-world experiences and skillsets that are increasingly valuable in modern healthcare delivery.