Over the past two years, we’ve all become accustomed to attending events virtually. As we look forward to the 2022 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place March 30-April 1, the ACGME is excited to offer invaluable content for all roles in graduate medical education (GME), again in a virtual setting. This year’s theme, Meaning in Medicine: Rebuilding Connections, highlights the importance of coming together and focuses on flexible learning that encourages opportunities to engage and connect with colleagues.
On the theme of building connections, the conference provides numerous networking opportunities, as well as live Q and A sessions with speakers and chances to meet directly with ACGME leaders and experts, tools to text and video chat with other conference participants, and chatrooms specifically dedicated to different roles in GME. In addition, the conference schedule includes virtual well-being activities and events, such as yoga and exercise classes, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment.
Where travel and lodging may have been obstacles for some to attend in-person conferences, the cost of the virtual conference is significantly lower, with options for different budgets. In addition to more flexibility around cost, another significant pro of a virtual conference is fewer barriers for more people from your team to attend. With over 70 educational and interactive sessions that cover topics on ACGME accreditation and initiatives; diversity, equity, and inclusion; faculty and professional development; well-being; crisis management; assessment; and much more, there is content and information for every member of your team to absorb. And while at a live conference you’d have to choose among sessions being offered during the same time windows, many of this year’s sessions include pre-recorded, on-demand content so you can “attend” sessions you might not be able to in person.
Daily educational sessions, offered between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central, include ways for participants to watch content, participate in real-time Q and A with presenters, and interact with peers and colleagues. Three types of sessions are offered:
- Semi-Live – Session streams at specific, advertised time and becomes available on demand after streaming ends. Participants can interact with presenters through text Q and A during the advertised time. Content is available on demand through May 1, 2022 for those with Premium registration access. Most conference sessions are designated as semi-live.
- Live – A select number of pre-conferences will be presented live in Zoom. Live sessions occur at the scheduled time and will not be available for later viewing.
- On-Demand – Sessions are available from the start of the conference, available to view at any time. Available through May 1, 2022 for those with Premium registration access.
This variety of session delivery formats allows you to watch content at your own pace, in a way that also lets you balance your day’s other responsibilities—since you are “attending” the conference from home or work. Following the 2021 all-virtual Annual Educational Conference, one participant commented, “I found the ability to watch presentations ‘on demand’ gave me a full perspective of what was presented and afforded me the opportunity to get that information. In person I would have had to pick a session which sometimes meant missing out on other sessions being offered at the same time.”
Learn more about the conference schedule, including access to detailed agendas for each pre-conference, and after you’ve read all about it, register yourself – and your team – for the 2022 Annual Educational Conference! Registration prices increase February 10!
We look forward to seeing you – virtually! – in March!