The National Institute for Program Director Development: a school for program directors.
BACKGROUND
The role of residency program director is unique in medicine and medical education. Most program directors learn the job through trial and error, with a fortunate few benefiting from the wisdom and experience of their predecessors and mentors. In 1994, the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors (AFPRD) made the development of training and support resources for program directors a top priority.


METHODS
With the support of the strategic plan of the AFPRD, the focus on excellence in residency education by the ABFP, and a survey documenting need, the National Institute for Program Director Development (NIPDD) was formed, with its sentinel product, a school for family practice residency directors.


RESULTS
A fellowship-format 9-month training program was constructed using a multidimensional educational model. To date, there have been more than 300 participants. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, resource allocation, a thorough familiarity with regulations and standards, educational options, and personnel management skills. A follow-up survey in 1999 documented an increase in program director tenure and an overall positive impact on family practice residency programs.


CONCLUSIONS
Enhanced preparation for the job of residency program director results in a positive impact on both the director and the program.
Pugno
Perry A
PA
Division of Medical Education, American Academy of Family Physicians, Leawood, KS 66211-2672, USA.
Dornfest
Franklyn D
FD
Kahn
Norman B
NB
Avant
Robert
R
D003479:Curriculum; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007857:Leadership; D017145:Models, Educational; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000193:education*; D016730:Program Development; D012576:Schools, Health Occupations; D014481:United States