This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 20-22, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
2025 Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Awardee Dolores Garcia is the program manager for the family medicine residency program at the University of New Mexico (UNM).
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Ms. Garcia: I began my career at UNM 38 years ago, initially hired at the UNM Bookstore. I then moved on to the Family Medicine Department after 10 years. As I worked my way up in the department, I discovered I had a deep interest in the support of academic medicine. I love my job and the fact that I am privileged to support the next generation of family medicine doctors as they journey through their residency. When I came to realize how much I loved working with our faculty members, staff members, and residents and found close links with so many within our department, as well as within UNM’s School of Medicine, I never imagined working in another field.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Garcia: Receiving this award is a huge milestone in my career. I am immensely thankful for the recognition and so very honored to receive this award. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Your encouragement has been instrumental in my success. I can’t fail to say that this award is truly a testament to the unwavering support and guidance I have received throughout my journey in academic medicine. I thank everyone who has played a role in my success as a program manager.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Garcia: I find it very rewarding to be an essential member of the leadership team critical to the success of our education programs. Handling the day-to-day operations of the programs, all while ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements and institutional deadlines, as well as serving as an important liaison among learners, faculty members, and other staff members is so gratifying. Having been key in supporting the new Shiprock, New Mexico family medicine residency program has been a recent fulfilling part of my position. This program is the first of its kind, with the PGY-2-3 levels sponsored directly by the US Indian Health Service at a facility [of] the Navajo Nation. I was essential in enabling this partnership and supporting and mentoring the new program coordinator. I am honored to support another residency program whose graduates go on to practice in both urban and rural settings. Importantly, graduates of UNM’s family medicine residency programs have contributed significantly to the state’s rural health workforce. My position of supporting education and training in our rural-based residencies has favored in-state and rural retention to many of our state’s underserved populations. Those graduates also go on to make important contributions to the rural education of UNM School of Medicine medical students through their roles as volunteer faculty preceptors. Residents and graduates of our program have stabilized fragile health systems in crisis in our state of New Mexico, adding new services in areas of critical need and attracting other physicians to locate there. I am not sure what could be more rewarding, and I continue to be proud to be part of this win-win situation for our patients throughout New Mexico!
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Garcia: As a program manager, it seems at times challenging to adapt to the rapidly evolving environment of GME. It’s a must that I always ensure clear and concise communication, as I work closely alongside my program director, learners, GME Office, and the ACGME, as well as other accrediting bodies relevant to our program. I find this challenging, BUT very rewarding. I have come to understand that it is essential to ensure the smooth operation of our program, and I am constantly juggling many balls in my role of support/management of our fellowships and clerkship program. Importantly, as the first point of contact for program recruits, no matter what is going on with my other duties, I have to remember that any interaction I have with possible recruits can make a significant impact on our recruitment cycle, and the matching of each PGY-1 class yearly. At times it can be taxing to multitask, prioritize, and solve problems while maintaining a positive and calm demeanor with all the program stakeholders. I find that I handle the many challenges of my position by maintaining self-motivation and being proactive.
ACGME: What advice do you have for new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Garcia: First and foremost, know that it takes time to become familiar with the timeline of an academic year. You should be thinking about what is coming up next month, in three months, in six months, and in 12 months, all at the same time. Since the duties are cyclical and you only handle some duties once a year, DO NOT be hard on yourself. With time, knowledge, and understanding, you will become successful. Your job will be to know the members of your team and most likely you will be the first one to recognize potential problems, or areas for improvement for your program. Although running an efficient office and leading a successful program is a goal, there is also the desire to ensure an environment where learners thrive. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – there are many valuable GME and ACGME resources available – be sure to utilize them, along with seeking help from veteran program managers and coordinators. Finally, participate in local, specialty, regional, or national coordinator groups; this will provide a wealth of knowledge and give you a network of other coordinators who can help provide tools and resources for you to be successful!
Learn more about the ACGME’s Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving coordinator for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.