Other Requests

All matters regarding GME programs should first be referred to one of the GME Directors. Any program changes requiring ACGME approval should be submitted to the GME accreditation manager for their program for GMEC review and approval.

Programs must also contact the GME Director assigned to their specialty before considering the following:

• Resident probation – The GME Director can provide the program with useful guidance and outline the process that needs to be followed prior to putting a resident on probation.
• Delay of a Site Visit - The ACGME conducts a large number of site visits annually and expects programs to accommodate the visit on the assigned date. On rare occasions it may be necessary to change the date. If you do need to reschedule, please contact the DIO and copy the accreditation manager before writing to the ACGME.
• New GME Program Recruitment – All new GME programs must be approved by the GME Director on behalf of the Partners Education Committee prior to recruiting potential trainees. This two-step application process can take up to four to six months. Programs should contact your accreditation manager for further information about this process.
• ECFMG Recruitment for a non-ACGME unapproved program - Existing programs that have never been formally reviewed must contact the GME Office to undergo review and approval prior to accepting an ECFMG candidate. (see "Non-standard new training programs" below)
• Progress reports requested by, and to be submitted to, the RRC should be reviewed by the GME director prior to GMEC approval. Please see the “Responding to the RRC” page for tips.
• Major changes in program structure or length of training
• Requests for exceptions of resident duty hours
• Responses to proposed adverse actions
• Requests to appeal an adverse action and appeal presentations to a Board of Appeal or the ACGME
• Voluntary withdrawal of program accreditation.

The GME Directors, on behalf of the Partners Education Committee (PEC), oversee and must approve all applications for:

• Institutional sponsorship of any new GME programs, either residency or fellowship. The GME Director will work closely with the program to develop an optimum application for GME review. This process could take four to six months.
• New ACGME accreditation. The GME Director will work with the program on the ACGME application process and review program materials prior to their submission to the ACGME through the Accreditation Data System (ADS). The materials typically should be submitted to the GME Director for review at least a month prior to the ACGME application deadline.
• Fellowship programs applying for national accreditation other than ACGME. The GME Director will meet with the program and review the application prior to submission.
• "Non-standard” new training programs. Programs typically encounter the need for the approval of “non-standard” new training programs when recruiting an International Medical Graduate in need of an ECFMG-sponsored J1 clinical visa. Prior to offering a position, programs need to ensure that their program has been reviewed and approved and appears on the hospital’s ECFMG list. Program leadership should contact the GME Office if their training program has not been approved.

The Graduate Medical Educational Committees, BWHEC or the MGH GMEC (subcommittee of ECOTE), oversee and must approve required documentation prior to the program’s submission of the request to the Residency Review Committee (RRC). Programs will be required to submit completed documentation to the GME Office and be included on the BWHEC or MGH GMEC agendas. The GMEC meeting schedule is located on the Calendar.

Further detailed information can be accessed on the Education Committees web page.

Page was updated on 10/4/19.