ACGME Well-Being Podcast

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)'s Well-Being podcast series addresses a variety of strategies for enhancing well-being among members of the graduate medical education community. Hosted by ACGME Vice President for Well-Being Dr. Stuart Slavin, the series explores mental health and well-being from the perspectives of key stakeholders and well-being experts.

Supporting Program Coordinator Well‑Being: Melanie Pigott and Cindy Thompson on Workload, Flexibility, and Burnout 03/10/2026

Supporting Program Coordinator Well‑Being: Melanie Pigott and Cindy Thompson on Workload, Flexibility, and Burnout In 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 /episode/index/show/acgme/id/40297735

Building a Culture of Well‑Being: Dr. Kristen Demertzis on Systemic Change in Medical Training 02/03/2026

Empowering Medical Teams: Dr. Kerri Palamara on Transforming Residency Through Coaching and Connection 01/20/2026

Empowering Medical Teams: Dr. Kerri Palamara on Transforming Residency Through Coaching and Connection In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin welcomes Dr. Kerri Palamara, Gill and Allan Gray Family Endowed Chair and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, to discuss the evolution and impact of physician coaching in graduate medical education. Dr. Palamara shares how her journey led to developing scalable, faculty-driven coaching programs that foster psychological safety, agency, and authentic connection among residents and faculty. The conversation explores the distinctions between mentoring and coaching, the core skills required for effective coaching, and the positive ripple effects on wellbeing, resilience, and departmental culture. Drawing on principles of positive psychology and self-determination theory, Dr. Palamara illustrates how structured coaching interventions can reduce burnout, enhance fulfillment, and empower clinicians to find their voice—even within challenging healthcare systems. Through practical insights and research-backed outcomes, this episode highlights how investing in coaching transforms not only individuals but the entire medical learning environment, making thriving possible for all. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro and Welcome (00:13) – Guest Background: Dr. Kerri Palamara (00:54) – Discovering Coaching: Faculty Engagement & Residency Curriculum (02:33) – Rethinking Support: Creating a Coaching Culture (04:12) – Mentoring vs. Coaching: Key Differences (05:20) – Building Psychological Safety and Boundaries (06:13) – Core Coaching Skills: Listening, Reflecting, Asking Questions (07:42) – Positive Psychology and Strength-Based Approaches (09:40) – Training Faculty as Coaches: Logistics & Curriculum (11:37) – Scalability and Feasibility of Coaching Programs (12:25) – Impact on Coaches, Residents, and Department Culture (14:27) – How Much Coaching is Enough? (15:16) – Tolerating Uncertainty and Medical Errors (15:50) – Addressing Systemic Challenges & Fatalism (16:50) – Handling Coach-Resident Mismatches (18:03) – Authentic Connection and Deep Listening (18:28) – Agency, Autonomy, and Self-Determination Theory (21:00) – Closing Thoughts and Resources /episode/index/show/acgme/id/39751730