RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The authors describe the scope and impact of a professional development program for residency and fellowship program coordinators (PCs) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. PCs are vital in the success of their residency programs, yet few articles to date have addressed their increasingly complex roles. PURPOSE: This exploratory study examines PCs' professional characteristics, perceptions that influence professional development meeting attendance, and the impact of the Program Coordinators' Organization (PCO). METHODS: All 44 PCs serving 53 residency and fellowship programs at UAMS were surveyed about their perceptions of the PCO in January 2006. RESULTS: The majority of respondents agreed that the PCO has improved their abilities and interactions with their supervisors, colleagues, and residents and that the PCO has made an institution-wide impact on residency education. CONCLUSIONS: Sponsoring a PCO may be an effective tool for organizations to enhance the role of PCs and their graduate medical education programs.