Faculty mentor/PI email address

jim010@aol.com

Is your research Teaching and Learning based?

1

Keywords

Transition to practice; graduate medical education; autonomy; professional identity; uncertainty tolerance; milestones

Date of Presentation

5-6-2026 12:00 AM

Poster Abstract

Background: The transition from residency to independent attending practice represents a critical developmental inflection point. Although residents achieve competency-based milestones, many graduates report challenges related to decision ownership, uncertainty tolerance, and the assumption of final clinical authority. Traditional training emphasizes competence under supervision, while independent practice requires performance without supervision. Objective: To propose a conceptual framework that supports the transition from supervised training to independent clinical practice, aligned with ACGME Milestones. Methods: Conceptual synthesis of literature on preparedness for practice, entrustment, and professional identity formation, integrated with practical observations from graduate medical education. Results (Conceptual): Six domains central to transition readiness were identified: decision ownership, graduated autonomy, procedural independence, uncertainty tolerance, professional identity formation, and psychological safety. Conclusion: Transition-to-practice preparation extends milestone-based training by supporting the emergence of independent clinical performance through alignment of autonomy, accountability, and reflection.

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

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May 6th, 12:00 AM

A Conceptual Framework that Supports the Transition from Supervised Training to Independent Clinical Practice, Aligned with ACGME Milestones

Background: The transition from residency to independent attending practice represents a critical developmental inflection point. Although residents achieve competency-based milestones, many graduates report challenges related to decision ownership, uncertainty tolerance, and the assumption of final clinical authority. Traditional training emphasizes competence under supervision, while independent practice requires performance without supervision. Objective: To propose a conceptual framework that supports the transition from supervised training to independent clinical practice, aligned with ACGME Milestones. Methods: Conceptual synthesis of literature on preparedness for practice, entrustment, and professional identity formation, integrated with practical observations from graduate medical education. Results (Conceptual): Six domains central to transition readiness were identified: decision ownership, graduated autonomy, procedural independence, uncertainty tolerance, professional identity formation, and psychological safety. Conclusion: Transition-to-practice preparation extends milestone-based training by supporting the emergence of independent clinical performance through alignment of autonomy, accountability, and reflection.

 

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