Take your PIC (Program Improvement Committee): The benefits of a resident-run initiative to improve graduate medical education

Abstract

The evolving landscape of graduate medical education (GME) necessitates innovative approaches to residency program evaluation and improvement. At Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, a novel resident-led Program Improvement Committee (PIC) was established in June 2022 within the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program. The PIC serves as a flexible, resident-driven structure designed to enhance engagement, provide continuous feedback, and implement actionable solutions in collaboration with residency leadership. Unlike traditional Program Evaluation Committees (PECs) and Clinical Competency Committees (CCCs), the PIC promotes a more democratized approach, empowering residents to take ownership of their training. By convening monthly and fostering fluid subcommittees, the PIC has successfully driven initiatives including increased research engagement, mentorship programs, social media enhancement, and system-level improvements such as the establishment of a dedicated WiFi network for hospital employees. The PIC represents a paradigm shift in residency enhancement, offering a responsive, adaptable mechanism for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. Further research is needed to evaluate its broader impact, but the PIC has the potential to revolutionize residency training and improve medical education.