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 GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Awardee Joanne Maier is the Director of Graduate Medical Education at Allegheny Health Network Medical Education Consortium.
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Ms. Maier: I began my career in academic medicine as an administrative assistant in an anesthesiology department, where my work with the residency program introduced me to the world of GME. I cherished the relationships I built with the residents and was deeply impressed by the GME Office's dedication to supporting learners. This experience, coupled with beginning my undergraduate studies as a non-traditional student, led me to reflect on my career aspirations. A freshman seminar assignment focusing on career goals prompted me to consider a future in GME management. The impact of the GME team I'd observed early in my career solidified this decision. It's remarkable to now find myself as a GME director—a career path I could never have predicted.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Maier: This national award is a tremendous honor. I'm deeply humbled and grateful to my designated institutional official, physician leadership, and residents for their support and nomination. Receiving the ACGME's GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Award is a significant career accomplishment, representing a culmination of my work in GME.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator at the institutional level?
Maier: What I find most rewarding about being an institutional coordinator is the opportunity to make a real difference in several key areas. First, the autonomy this role provides to manage institutional and program accreditation activities is incredibly fulfilling. This allows me to proactively identify and address potential challenges, ensuring the highest standards of quality in our GME programs. Secondly, leading our highly engaged team of GME professionals is a source of satisfaction. Seeing their dedication and commitment translate into successful outcomes is incredibly rewarding. Finally, witnessing the personal and professional growth of our residents as they navigate their training and progress toward becoming exceptional physicians is truly inspiring. Knowing that I play a supporting role in their development and that the processes I oversee contribute to their success makes this position fulfilling.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator at the institutional level?
Maier: The most challenging aspect is navigating the evolving internal processes that impact the administrative support we provide our learners. This requires ongoing adaptation and prioritization, particularly during our busy onboarding season (January-August). However, our dedicated and fantastic GME Office team consistently ensures all tasks are completed effectively through careful resource allocation and planning.
ACGME: What advice do you have for new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Maier: My advice to new institutional coordinators is to network strategically and cultivate patience. Make the most of every networking opportunity, including networking with other attendees and speakers at national meetings, as well as responding thoughtfully to GME social media posts by asking insightful questions and offering support to others. Be patient: mastering the complexities of institutional GME coordination, especially without prior GME experience, takes time. Embrace self-directed learning, utilize online resources, and leverage the connections you make at national meetings and within your institution to accelerate your growth.
Take the time to get to know your program coordinators, understand their roles, and appreciate their contributions. Advocate for their needs, support their professional development, and recognize their essential role in the success of your institution's GME programs. By fostering positive relationships and advocating for your team, you'll create a collaborative and efficient environment that benefits everyone involved.
Learn more about the ACGME’s GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving institutional coordinator for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.