OMeGA launching Core Competency Innovation grants

OMeGA helps provide for orthopaedic residency programs’ basic needs (like books, cadavers and visiting speakers) in its residency/general education grant cycle.  In fact, 43 grants have been awarded in OMeGA’s first two years: 22 of these for the 2010-2011 academic year.  However, the OMeGA board of directors understands the difficulties of operating a successful residency program given economic downturns and institutional budget reductions.  The new OMeGA Core Competency Innovation Grants are designed to encourage innovative thinking and creativity--despite our uncertain healthcare environment.

ACGME core competencies

The six ACGME core competencies (patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice) are the foundation of orthopaedic graduate medical education.  Yet while all orthopaedic residency programs teach the six ACGME core competencies, there seems to be a wide disparity between program director and resident thinking regarding how well.  For instance, in answer to the question, “Your program’s residents know the six core competencies as mandated by the ACGME,” in AOA research completed in 2006, 74% of program directors agreed while only 43% of residents agreed with the statement – indicating a clear disconnect.

OMeGA Core Competency Innovation Grant cycle

OMeGA will be accepting applications for grants to promote education of the six ACGME core competencies during the month of September.  These grants are intended to encourage a residency program’s creative/innovative approach to enhance the educational experience.  Examples of initiatives that OMeGA might fund include:

  • Develop "research" coaching in outcomes research program
  • Patient simulation for teaching communication/professionalism skills
  • Teach statistics, evidence-based medicine
  • Providing resident/fellow feedback including assessment tools like 360º evaluations and observed clinical skills
  • Assess motor skills

Grant specifics

Grants between $10,000 and $20,000 to be used in the 2010-2011 academic year will be distributed in December.  A poster presentation sharing education tools and learning is required at the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) meeting in June 2011 at the AOA Annual Meeting.  OMeGA currently has funding to provide 10-20 grants, but continues to solicit for additional donations to provide more grants.

More information will be available as we get closer to the application period.  Check back often—or e-mail info@omegamedicalgrants.org with specific questions.

Register and apply

New registrants

If you are new to OMeGA and would like to register your program, click here.  After registering your program, you will use your log-in and password to apply for grants.

Returning applicants

Use your log-in and password to log in  to your account to apply for a new grant or complete and submit reports. We may request additional information as part of the review process: please provide this information as quickly as possible.

Pay application fee - click here to go to the AOA website to pay the application fee.

Thank you for helping to sustain orthopaedic GME

Zimmer (Founding supporter at the platinum level)

 

Download the Grant Requestor FAQs