Supporting Program Coordinator Well‑Being: Melanie Pigott and Cindy Thompson on Workload, Flexibility, and Burnout
Release Date: 03/10/2026
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info_outlineIn this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin is joined by Melanie Pigott, the residency coordinator of the emergency medicine program at the Medical University of South Carolina, and Cindy Thompson, a senior program administrator for the orthopaedic surgery program at West Virginia University, for a focused conversation on program coordinator well‑being in graduate medical education.
Program coordinators play a vital role in GME programs, yet their roles have become increasingly complex, demanding, and pressured—often with little margin for rest or recovery. Drawing on their years of experience and leadership on the ACGME's Coordinator Advisory Group, Pigott and Thompson reflect on the realities of the role and share practical, experience‑based strategies to reduce stress and sustain fulfillment.
The conversation explores key drivers of coordinator well‑being, including managing workload through clear expectations and communication, improving efficiency through automation and shared resources, navigating hybrid and flexible work arrangements, and coping with the constant pressure of year‑round deadlines and evolving responsibilities. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize the importance of professional community, peer support, self‑compassion, and giving oneself grace in a role defined by high standards and service to others.
This episode launches a new series dedicated to supporting program coordinators and offers valuable insights for coordinators, program leaders, and institutions seeking to create healthier, more sustainable working environments for those who support medical learners every day.
Podcast Chapters
(00:00) – Introduction and Welcome
(00:55) – Guest Introductions: Melanie Pigott and Cindy Thompson
(01:46) – Growing Workload and Burnout Risk in Program Coordination
(02:29) – Setting Expectations, Boundaries, and Communication Norms
(05:14) – Improving Efficiency Through Automation and Shared Tools
(09:03) – Community, Peer Support, and Asking for Help
(10:14) – Hybrid and Flexible Work Models in GME
(14:57) – Managing Ongoing Work Pressure and Emotional Labor
(17:05) – Organization, Delegation, and Letting Go of Perfectionism
(21:03) – Closing Thoughts and Resources