Graduate Medical Education—Accelerated Change

Graduate medical education (GME) is a critical link in the educational chain for physicians. Graduating from a strict apprenticeship model, GME has become a highly structured educational system whose peer-review organization provides an intentional and direct approach to ensuring that GME not only addresses the public's expectations of the profession but also positions itself to be a foundational structure in the outcomes-focused healthcare environment of the nation. GME is currently in a state of accelerated change—grounded in both educational and patient outcomes. This article provides an update on the significant changes that have occurred in GME over the past 10 years, a review of current initiatives and the perspectives related to educating physicians-in-training. Additionally, an analysis is provided on the future of GME, including areas of continued focus and uncertainty.