Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group
Overview
The ACGME’s Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group provides consultation for implementing the ACGME’s Framework for Rural and Underserved Graduate Medical Education (GME) (previously known as the MUA/P and GME Framework).
The Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group contributes to the development of:
- Organizational knowledge of issues related to rural and underserved GME
- Outreach to designated institutional officials, program directors, and others
- Educational opportunities to facilitate the development of GME in rural and underserved areas
Call for Members
Review the following documents for more information:
Nomination Process
The ACGME is currently accepting nominations for residents/fellows and non-physician members of the public with a history of leadership and membership in public organizations.
The ACGME seeks representation from various perspectives, including different underserved communities, such as rural, urban, tribal, and correctional settings. Candidates may be nominated by individuals or organizations. Self-nominations are accepted.
Public members will serve up to three-year initial terms with the option of renewing for an additional three-year term. Resident/fellow members will serve two-year terms.
Public Member Nomination Materials:
- Public Member Nomination Form – completed by nominee (see Resources at right)
- Nominee’s current curriculum vitae
Resident/Fellow Nomination Materials:
- A letter of recommendation signed by the nominee’s program director and designated institutional official of the Sponsoring Institution ensuring the resident/fellow will have sufficient time to participate in meetings and activities of the Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group as expected
- Nominee’s up-to-date curriculum vitae
- A one-page personal statement outlining the nominee’s educational goals, professional interests, and intent to serve if selected for membership on the Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group
Only complete nomination packets will be considered. Materials received after the deadline will not be considered.
All nominees will be notified following the selection process (anticipated for early summer 2026).
Rural and Underserved GME Advisory Group Members
Thomas Gearan, MD, FACP
Maine Medical Center
Chair
Lorenzo Pence, DO, FACOFP
ACGME
Vice Chair
Jim Clardy, MD
Baptist Health - University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences
Gary Cloud, PhD, MBA
Public Member
Marie Dotseth, MHA
Public Member
Olumuyiwa Fatade, MD, MPH
Emory University School of Medicine
Resident Member
Chad Harris, MD
Natividad Medical Center
Tina Haynes, RHIA, CRHCP
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center
Theresa Nevarez, MD, MBA
Los Angeles County-Harbor-
UCLA Medical Center
Dotun Ogunyemi, MD
Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
Robin Rodriguez, MD, MBA
Indiana Regional Medical Center
Resident Member
Bridget Thackeray, DO
Texas Institute for Graduate Medical
Education and Research (TIGMER)
Kimberly Thomas, MD, MSPH
Providence Health
Susan Ward-Jones, MD
East Arkansas Family Health Center, Inc.
Ex-Officio Members
Loretta Christensen, MD, MBA, MSJ, FACS
Indian Health Service
Michael Dill, MA
Association of American Medical Colleges
Vijay Kannan, MD, MPH
Indian Health Service
John Snyder, MD, MS, MPH, FACP
Health Resources and Services Administration
Kanta Velamuri, MD
Veterans Health Administration