Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since 2012, several academic centers in the Middle East have attained accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I). An emerging group of GME leaders have assumed the role of designated institutional official (DIO), leading their institutions to accreditation. Despite these DIOs' key positions in driving GME reform, there is a lack of published studies on the roles, responsibilities, and needs of DIOs in international settings. OBJECTIVE: We examined the characteristics, roles, responsibilities, and needs of DIOs in the Middle East. METHODS: A questionnaire was electronically distributed from December 2018 to February 2019 to all current and former DIOs in ACGME-I accredited institutions in the Middle East. RESULTS: Of 16 surveys sent, 11 (69%) were returned. All DIOs were physicians; the majority were women less than 55 years of age, and assumed the role of DIO in the past decade. Most DIOs felt prepared for the position and well supported by their institution and their program directors. All reported having additional roles beyond the DIO position. Most identified the most challenging aspect of their role related to GME budgets, training for their responsibilities, sharing best practices and documents such as DIO job descriptions and other key documents, and DIO training. CONCLUSIONS: ACGME-I accreditation is a critical driver of efforts to define the DIO role. DIOs in the Middle East share common perceptions, experiences, and needs. Further research should identify professional development needs in an increasingly diverse international worldwide DIO community.