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A Closer Look at the 2026 Match: Growth, Gaps, and What Comes Next
Each year, the NRMP Match data is released with a familiar headline: more positions, more applicants, continued growth. That trend holds true in 2026. On paper, this was another strong year for Graduate Medical Education, with more than 44,000 total positions offered, over 41,000 PGY-1 positions, and upwards of 53,000 applicants participating in the Match. By traditional measures, GME continues to expand, reinforcing the perception of a system that is growing to meet workforc

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Apr 134 min read


National Physician Week: Reflecting on the Role and Impact of Physicians in Our Communities
During National Physician Week and National Doctors’ Day, Germane Solutions recognizes all physicians who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Every day, physicians serve as trusted partners in the health and well-being of their communities, guiding patients through complex health decisions, delivering compassionate care, and providing leadership within the healthcare system. The role of a physician extends far beyond clinical expertise. Physicians are often a steady

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Mar 243 min read


SOAP Week: A Strategic Moment for GME Leaders
As Match Week begins, many Graduate Medical Education programs find themselves navigating one of the most intense and time-sensitive periods of the academic year. When programs do not fill all available positions through the Match algorithm, the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) allows programs with unfilled residency positions to offer them to eligible, unmatched applicants during Match Week. While SOAP is often associated with uncertainty, it is also an estab

Courtney Matteson
Mar 132 min read


Navigating the New H-1B Visa Requirements: Key Considerations for GME Leaders
On September 21, 2025, a new presidential proclamation went into effect requiring a $100,000 fee for many new H-1B visa petitions filed on behalf of individuals outside the United States. Although the policy was introduced in response to concerns about misuse of the H-1B program in the tech and outsourcing sectors, it’s broad application may have far-reaching implications for the U.S. healthcare workforce, particularly Graduate Medical Education programs that rely on H-1B spo

Courtney Matteson
Feb 22 min read


Transforming Rural Healthcare: What GME Leaders Need to Know About the RHT Program
In an effort to improve healthcare access and equity, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, authorized under Public Law 119-21, Section 71401 (also known as the One Big Beautiful Act). With $50 billion in funding allocated over five years (2026–2030), the RHT Program marks a historic investment in strengthening rural healthcare delivery and infrastructure. Program Overview Each fiscal year, $10 billi

Margot Flowers
Jan 192 min read


CMS Announces New GME Cap Increases Under Sections 126 and 4122
On December 18, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the latest round of GME cap increase awardees under two key initiatives (Section 126 and Section 4122) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (HR 133). These awards represent important progress in expanding Medicare-supported residency training opportunities in alignment with national workforce needs. Section 126 Cap Increase: Round 4 Results Section 126 makes 1,000 additional Medicare-funded

Margot Flowers
Jan 122 min read


Protecting Your Rural Designation Status: Advocating for Essential Funding
At Germane Solutions, we recognize the important role your hospital plays in expanding access to care, training physicians, and supporting community health. We also understand the financial constraints you face in sustaining these efforts. Your current Rural Designation provides resources that make it possible to serve patients effectively while advancing Graduate Medical Education.

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Sep 22, 20252 min read


HRSA Approves Limited 340B Rebate Model Pilot: What Safety Net Hospitals Should Know
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...

Kyle Knepper
Aug 26, 20252 min read


Policy in Practice: How Federal Decisions Shape the Future of Academic Medicine
At a time when the healthcare system is facing physician shortages, financial pressures, and deepening health disparities, federal policy plays an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of academic medicine. Recent updates from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) emphasize just how foundational government action is in sustaining the pillars of education, research, patient care, and community health.

Courtney Matteson
Jun 17, 20254 min read


Stronger Together: Introducing Germane Solutions’ M&A Support Services
At Germane Solutions, we are continuously evolving to meet the needs of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) community. Today, we are...

Courtney Matteson
May 6, 20253 min read


The Rise of Three-Year Medical School Programs: A Transformative Shift in Medical Education
The traditional four-year medical school model has historically served as the standard for training future physicians. However, an...

Kelsey Barnes
Apr 3, 20253 min read


The Domino Effect of Medicaid Cuts: Why We Can’t Afford to Get This Wrong
The proposed reductions in Medicaid funding have sparked widespread concern, with potential consequences extending far beyond the...

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Mar 28, 20254 min read


Strategic Growth in GME: Optimizing Medicare Affiliation Agreements
Medicare Graduate Medical Education Affiliation Agreements (MGMEAAs) are formal agreements between two or more eligible teaching...

Margot Flowers
Mar 17, 20253 min read


Honoring Black History Month: Addressing Health Mistrust, Culturally Sensitive Care, and Psychological Safety in Graduate Medical Education
As we recognize Black History Month, it is an opportunity to reflect on the deep and lasting impact of historical injustices on Black...

Embrace Employee Resource Group
Feb 24, 20253 min read


Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Partnership and Progress
As we step into 2025, my team and I are filled with a steadfast commitment to our mission to provide excellence to our clients and our...

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Jan 28, 20252 min read


A Year-End Message from Our CEO: Celebrating Success, Expressing Gratitude, and Looking Forward to 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve taken together over the past year. At Germane...

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Dec 11, 20243 min read


The Changing Landscape of GME: How Health Policies Impact Medical Education
As a mission-first healthcare consulting firm, Germane Solutions is dedicated to supporting policies that strengthen Graduate Medical...

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Dec 3, 20244 min read


From Strategy to Success: Partnering with Germane Solutions
Selecting the right consulting partner is a crucial decision for healthcare institutions aiming to enhance operational efficiency,...

Susan Hearn-Stiffler
Oct 25, 20244 min read


Ensuring a Healthy Future: Sustaining the Physician Pipeline to Meet Growing Demand
America stands at a critical juncture in healthcare: the ongoing physician shortage. With a rapidly growing population and increasingly...

Scott Masin, MBA
Sep 23, 20243 min read


Securing Ohio's Healthcare Future: A Call to Strengthen GME Investment
A Critical Investment for Ohio’s Healthcare Future Graduate Medical Education (GME) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of...

Germane Solutions
Sep 10, 20243 min read
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