Reports from the 21 residency programs that received OMeGA Medical Grants Association grants for the 2009–2010 academic year indicate that the OMeGA grant was either very effective (95.2 percent) or effective (4.8 percent) in helping achieve the program’s objectives.

OMeGA’s residency/general education grants are intended to help with a program’s basic needs. In 2009–2010, 71.4 percent of grant monies was used for visiting professors’ expenses, 23.8 percent was used for cadavers, and 4.8 percent was used to purchase supplies. Most funds were used to benefit several residents.

OMeGA is currently accepting applications for Core Competency Innovation (CCI) grants for the 2010–2011 academic year. These grants are designed to encourage innovative thinking in teaching the six ACGME core competencies. Grant recipients must present a poster sharing education tools and learning at the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors member meeting in June 2011 at the American Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting. Residency programs must apply by Sept. 30, 2010.

For more information, visit www.omegamedicalgrants.org

Rhonda Taira is director, grants management, for the OMeGA Medical Grants Association. She can be reached at taira@omegamedicalgrants.org