My life was upended in my final year of an ACGME-accredited US residency program - a fallout of retaliation for speaking up about valid patient safety and mistreatment concerns within the program. Dismissed unjustly, I saw how the systemic issues ran deep: the directing institution and the ACGME did not intervene, establishing the unchecked power program directors have over the futures of their residents. This is not an isolated incident, but a manifestation of a culture of abuse and harassment that is pervasive across residency programs in our nation. This reality highlights a pressing need for change.

According to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's 2019-2020 report, over 36% of surveyed residents reported feeling bullied, harassed or experiencing some form of discriminatory behavior - a statistic that calls for urgent action. This unchecked power vested in the program directors, and lack of responsible oversight, is disrupting careers, adversely affecting mental health, and, crucially, threatening patient safety.

Through this petition, we're requesting a comprehensive review and reformation of existing residency programs and their power dynamics. We urge for the introduction of checks and balances to prevent harassment and abuse. It’s imperative for institutions and organizations such as ACGME to monitor and aggressively intervene in cases of abuse. This critical step will ensure every resident gets a fair opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the medical profession without fear of retribution for standing up for what is right.

Sign this petition to show solidarity with affected residents and tell these institutions that unchecked power, harassment, and abuse have no place in our medical training institutions.