As I reviewed my notes from the CORD Academic Assembly, I am reminded of the initial excitement I had back in August of 2023 as a brand-new Program Manager. I applied for the CORD scholarship out of a strong desire to gain understanding of my new role as an emergency medicine residency program coordinator. In the months since taking on this role, I discovered that coordinator is one of a dozen hats those of us in this position wear every day. I expected that being around other EM coordinators at CORD would help me see this position from multiple perspectives and the meeting, people and presentations did not disappoint!
The CORD Academic Assembly was not just an event I attended; it was an experience that changed my perspective. It increased my network of coordinators and managers that I call friends and deepened my commitment to medical education, especially when it comes to Emergency Medicine. The highlights for me were the discussions around the nuances of program coordination and the sharing of best practices from seasoned professionals. These exchanges expanded my knowledge and answered questions about my program’s processes and whether we were doing things the best way. The information and feedback during these presentations has encouraged me to continue what I’m doing and to apply these insights to better support my faculty and residents.
One of the most impactful sessions I attended was centered on feedback mechanisms — a critical area where our program is seeking improvement. The insights gained from the discussions on effective feedback, such as focusing on behavior modifications and closing the feedback loop, are directly applicable to our efforts to enhance the training confidence of our faculty. I really enjoyed the ideas presented on logic driven evaluation forms, AI tools, and even something as small as having consistency in your email subject lines so that they are easier to use and track in the future. These ideas fit perfectly within my ongoing efforts to streamline our administrative processes, ensuring efficiency and clarity in our communications.
The Academic Assembly served as an amazing reminder of the importance of community and mentorship within the program coordinator/manager role. Every one of us comes from a different background and with different skill sets. Somehow, we all found our way into GME. Leveraging those histories and skills from experienced coordinators is invaluable as we continue to change the way that EM residents are trained and how GME departments function. The opportunities to meet with my peers, exchange ideas, and receive guidance was an incredible part of meeting. These interactions have not only expanded my professional network but have also provided me with a sense of belonging and support within the CORD community.
The knowledge and experiences I learned from the meeting will benefit my position in numerous ways. Implementing practical strategies, such as improving our intern bootcamp and refining our feedback delivery, will directly enhance the quality of our residency program. Additionally, the focus on accurate duty hours reporting are vital lessons that will contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of our administrative practices.
Overall, my attendance at the CORD Academic Assembly has been an amazing experience. It has equipped me with valuable tools and insights that I am eager to apply within my role and share with my faculty, chiefs and residents and ultimately contribute to the continued growth and success of our emergency medicine residency program. Over the next few months, I am committed to sharing the knowledge I have acquired with the other Program Managers in my GME Department with the hope that it will encourage a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within our institution. I look forward to coming back to CORD for many years to come.
Spencer Boulter
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Program Manager
The Vocal CORD 