Why Internal Medicine Program Directors remain in their positions, are effective, and thrive: A qualitative study

Medical education must be led by qualified, experienced physician-educators. Residency program directors (PDs) balance unique challenges and responsibilities that include personal and professional development of their trainees while ensuring accreditation requirement compliance. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates that a single PD has the authority, accountability, and responsibility for the program and requires that PDs serve long enough to ensure program stability.