CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) convened this week at its Annual Meeting to adopt new policies aimed at strengthening medical education and bolstering the future physician workforce. The new policies include efforts to address medical student and physician burnout, support trainees during licensure exams, and advocate for physician-led care.
Streamlining compliance training requirements
Physicians practicing at multiple hospitals often encounter redundant compliance training requirements, as each facility may have its own version of legally required courses. Delegates adopted policy calling for the creation of reciprocity programs that allow physicians to receive credit for compliance training completed at one health care entity toward requirements at other facilities, as long as the training meets established standards. The policy also calls for the AMA to work with relevant parties to explore options for fair compensation or continuing medical education (CME) credits for time spent on these trainings.
“Physicians face increasing administrative burdens that take time away from patient care,” said AMA Trustee Melissa J. Garretson, M.D. "Lifelong learning is essential to maintaining high standards of patient care and professional conduct, but the system needs to be more efficient. Every minute matters – and streamlining these trainings will give physicians time back to do what matters most – caring for patients.”
Support for trainees during exams
The HOD adopted policy urging greater support for medical trainees who face logistical or financial hurdles when taking licensure exams. The new policy calls on the National Board of Medical Examiners and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners to address challenges related to testing centers, including rescheduling exams and cost. The policy also encourages medical schools to offer more assistance and flexibility in exam scheduling.
“Medical trainees are required to pass demanding and expensive licensure exams during their training, where failure could end their medical career,” said Dr. Garretson. “Unforeseen events, such as a family tragedy or personal crisis, can significantly disrupt a trainee’s exam preparation. It’s essential that all stakeholders in graduate medical education work to remove barriers and offer support to trainees during this demanding process, so we can continue building a strong physician workforce.”
Supporting flexibility in burnout prevention programs
Delegates adopted policy discouraging burnout prevention programs that impose inflexible requirements, mandatory assignments, or punitive measures for physicians and medical trainees. Instead, the new policy supports evidence-based programs that allow for voluntary participation, flexible scheduling, and recognition of the importance of personal time in promoting well-being.
“While well-intended, inflexible burnout prevention programs can actually increase stress and workload for physicians and trainees,” said Dr. Garretson. “To be effective, these programs should prioritize flexibility, autonomy, mindfulness, and personal well-being. These programs can have a powerful impact on reducing burnout when participants are empowered to choose activities that fit their needs and schedules.”
Advocating for physician-led health care teams
The HOD adopted policy encouraging residency programs to promote opportunities for residents and trainees to engage in advocacy for physician-led care. Delegates also directed the AMA to expand educational resources, toolkits, and workshops that residency programs can use to teach medical trainees about physician-led care and prepare them to engage effectively with policymakers. The new policy builds on the AMA’s existing work to provide resources to residency programs through the AMA GME Competency Education Program.
“Physicians are uniquely qualified to lead patient care and ensure decisions are made with the highest level of expertise,” said Dr. Garretson. “Residents are the future of the medical profession. It is vital they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to inform and educate lawmakers on the importance of physician-led teams, so that patients can receive the safest, highest-quality care.”
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The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
