Services/New Residency & Fellowship Program Development

New Residency & Fellowship Program Development

Launching a new program is a two-to-three year process. Get it right from the start.

Starting a new residency or fellowship program is one of the most complex undertakings in academic medicine. The ACGME application process is rigorous, the requirements are detailed, and mistakes at the application stage can delay accreditation by years. Axis Academic Consulting guides health systems through every step — from feasibility assessment through initial accreditation.

What is new residency & fellowship program development?

New program development consulting supports health systems, hospitals, and academic medical centers in establishing new ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship programs. This includes navigating the application process, building program infrastructure, developing curriculum, and preparing for the initial accreditation site visit.

Who needs this

  • Health systems expanding their GME footprint with new programs
  • Hospitals seeking to establish their first residency or fellowship
  • Community hospitals converting from independent to ACGME-accredited training
  • Academic medical centers adding subspecialty fellowship programs
  • Organizations that need to complete an initial ACGME application

What we deliver

  • Feasibility assessment and program viability analysis
  • ACGME application preparation and submission support
  • Program requirements mapping for your specific specialty
  • Curriculum structure and rotation block design
  • Policy and procedure framework development
  • Faculty recruitment and qualification guidance
  • Preparation for the initial accreditation site visit

How it works

1

Feasibility assessment

Evaluate patient volume, faculty resources, and infrastructure against ACGME requirements for your specialty.

2

Application strategy

Map the application requirements, timeline, and resource needs before a single form is submitted.

3

Application development

Ashley works with your team to build and review every section of the ACGME application.

4

Program infrastructure

Curriculum, policies, evaluation systems, and faculty development built in parallel with the application.

5

Site visit preparation

Faculty and leadership preparation for the initial accreditation site visit.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a new program accredited?

The timeline varies by specialty and program type, but most programs should plan for 18-36 months from initial planning to receiving residents. ACGME application review cycles, site visit scheduling, and program development all factor into the timeline.

Can you help us determine if we're ready to apply?

Yes — a feasibility assessment is often the first step. Many programs begin the application process before they have the infrastructure in place, which creates problems. Ashley can assess your readiness and identify what needs to be in place before you apply.

Do you work with community hospitals or only academic medical centers?

Both. Community hospitals are increasingly pursuing GME programs and often need more foundational support building the infrastructure. Ashley's experience across large health systems and academic environments translates to both settings.