A mixed-methods analysis investigated program coordinators' (PCs) professional development opportunities and current practices in community and academic programs. Among 109 Chicago Area Medical Education Group members who were surveyed, 97.2% deemed development necessary for gaining exceptional coordinator skills. PCs at community-based programs attended fewer national conferences and were less satisfied with professional development opportunities than their peers at academic-based institutions. Meanwhile, 28.5% of community-based coordinators were not satisfied with their opportunities vs. 7% of academic-based coordinators, and 37.7% of community PCs said there was a lack of development activities by their program or graduate medical education vs. 2.9% of academic PCs. Only 50% of the PCs said they discussed professional development with program directors, although institutional supports helped increase satisfaction. "Despite recommendations for regular professional development, this study finds only half of the PCs regularly discuss professional development and finds disparities in opportunities between those in community versus academic settings," the authors concluded.

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