What does it mean to be an ORR member?
The Organization of Resident Representatives (ORR) was established in 1991 to provide a venue for resident physicians to have input into the development of Association policy. The ORR is also designed as a leadership opportunity for residents interested in academic medicine, serving as a vehicle for professional development activities for its members.
Being an ORR member means you are part of a group of multi-specialty GME trainees from across the country. This invitational opportunity allows you to participate in leadership development, networking, and learning opportunities by attending bi-yearly AAMC meetings. At these meetings, you can discuss important topics in medical education, learn what trainees experience in different locations and in different specialties, and even choose to collaborate on projects that might help trainees nationally
Are there any obligations for being a member?
The major obligation is attendance and participation in ORR bi-yearly meetings. To facilitate resident attendance the ORR member position is a fully funded position. Members make the ORR experience their own by engaging fully in meetings, attending sessions designed to enhance the resident experience, or collaborate with other colleagues on program sessions that offer a unique resident voice. Many alumni comment on how their involvement with the ORR has had a positive impact on them.
How do members make the most of meetings?
The networking experience is invaluable. Members engage with fellow residents and academic leaders at meetings. Residents learn about topics relevant to their institution and then implement projects or stimulate ideas to try at their home institution. The ORR is a huge “brain trust” with burgeoning experts in many different fields.
What are some initiatives that ORR members have been/or are currently involved in?
Members have emphasized and participated in initiatives to forward resident wellness throughout academic medicine. Attention on duty hours, parental leave, gender equity, diversity and inclusion and more are at the forefront for ORR members.
Subgroups have written commentaries on various topics, most recently one on maternity leave policies in GME. Members have also seized the opportunity to become published in AAMC journals (Academic Medicine and MedEdPORTAL®). Through the ORR the AAMC formally recognizes residents who have gone above and beyond the rigors of training via the annual ORR Community Service Recognition Award.
What are ways to get involved more deeply in the ORR?
There are many ways to get more involved in the ORR. Run for an administrative board position during election season.
There are also opportunities to serve as a liaison to the various AAMC affinity and interest groups. The resident voice is integral in groups such as Group on Diversity and Inclusion, MSPE Taskforce, Group on Women in Medicine and Science, ERAS, Careers in Medicine, Integrating Quality, Group on Education Affairs, and more. Finally, members can serve on various meeting committees, submit sessions for presenting at various meetings, and collaborate with other ORR members or academic leaders on academic projects.
How do I become an ORR member?
ORR members are appointed by academic specialty societies representing department chairs or program directors that hold membership in the AAMC’s Council of Faculty and Academic Societies. Each eligible society appoints two residents for a two-year term. The nomination cycle begins in early spring with new resident appointments beginning on July 1.