How does a residency program become accredited?
New programs submit an application and undergo an evaluation by an ACGME site visitor, who is considered the eyes and ears of the ACGME. The appropriate RRC reviews the site visitors report, as well as data submitted by the program director in a program information form (PIF), and makes an accreditation decision based on that information. After the initial accreditation, each program is reviewed every one to five years as determined by the RRC based on the strength of the program. For each review, programs must complete a lengthy set of documents to demonstrate compliance with the program requirements and undergo a site visit, which includes face-to-face interviews with residents. In most cases, residents will be asked to complete a confidential online survey to determine the programs compliance with duty hour regulations and other policies. Accreditation is granted to a residency training program that is in compliance with the program requirements at the time of the site visit, has su
