The role of the program director in critical care medicine is in evolu
tion. Qualifications of the director defined by the Society of Critica
l Care Medicine in 1987 are still valid today. Programs that prioritiz
e educational responsibilities at a level similar to clinical responsi
bilities and allow the program director to have the time necessary to
meet teaching requirements are likely to be most successful. Academic
leadership and administrative and interpersonal abilities are the most
important attributes of the program director.