This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2023 ACGME Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place this week in Nashville, Tennessee, from February 23-25, 2023.
2023 GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Awardee Michael Venten is the institutional coordinator for Stony Brook Medicine.
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Venten: I was already working at a hospital in budget when a position opened for an administrative role in academic affairs. I began working with medical students in my new role, which I found very rewarding.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Venten: I am honored and surprised to receive the award. To be recognized by my peers for excellence is such a large achievement. I was able to achieve the award only with the support of my peers and their wonderful nominations.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Venten: Working with new program directors and new program coordinators to assist and guide them in starting in their roles.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Venten: Organizing large events. It’s a great idea to get all of the residents, program directors, or coordinators together, but the logistics of gathering 700 people is another story.
ACGME: What advice do you have to brand new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Venten: The learning curve to joining in academic medicine can be hard, but it’s very rewarding if you stay with it.
Learn more about the ACGME’s GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving individual for the 2024 Award – nominations are due by March 15, 2023.