Kansas City University GME Consortium (KCU-GME Consortium)/Freeman Program

The Kansas City University GME Consortium (KCU-GME Consortium)/Freeman Program is an ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institution with 13 accredited programs spanning five states. The mission of the program is to provide structured postgraduate training focusing on leadership, assessment, and development while fostering the ethical, professional, and personal growth of residents and fellows. The program aims to promote competent healthcare practitioners, enhance the quality of GME-sponsored programs, produce independent medical leaders, expand medical education in underdeveloped communities, and increase the recruitment and retention of minorities underrepresented in medicine.

Residents and fellows are encouraged to participate in the quarterly KCU GME Resident/Fellow Forum, where they can discuss educational and work environment issues and raise concerns through a structured platform. There is also a confidential reporting form available for residents and fellows to report any program-related concerns anonymously.

The program emphasizes Resident/Fellow Scholarly Activity, requiring engagement in various scholarly endeavors to advance knowledge and practice in evidence-based patient care. Additionally, there is a focus on Faculty Development to support the personal and professional growth of medical educators within the program.

To address resident burnout and well-being, the program participates in the AMA Mini-Z Burnout Survey annually and provides resources and services through the Employee Resource System for KCU Residents/Fellows, including counseling, health coaching, and peer community support.

The program prioritizes resident and fellow well-being through initiatives like the Resident/Fellow Well-Being Index and offers additional wellness resources, including apps, counseling services, and access to educational materials on mental health and well-being topics.

KCU-GME Consortium policies and procedures are outlined in the GME Policy and Procedure Manual, establishing minimum standards for residency and fellowship training programs sponsored by Kansas City University. These policies focus on various aspects, such as GMEC composition, resident and fellow well-being, supervision, and patient safety.

For continuous improvement and assessment, the program participates in the CLER program, which focuses on areas like patient safety, health care quality, teaming, supervision, well-being, and professionalism. Each of these focus areas ensures a comprehensive and engaging clinical learning environment for residents and fellows.

The program also offers GME Grand Rounds and poster printing services to facilitate ongoing learning and academic activities within the consortium. Residents and faculty are encouraged to participate in these events to enhance their educational experience.

Overall, the Kansas City University GME Consortium (KCU-GME Consortium)/Freeman Program prioritizes the professional and personal development of residents and fellows through comprehensive training, support services, and opportunities for scholarly engagement and continuous improvement.