A. Standards
All residents must possess appropriate communication, behavioral and social skills which enable them to function effectively as members of the health care team, as delineated in the Technical Standards and Professionalism documents. These include: (1) ability to relate effectively and sensitively with patients; (2) the ability to communicate promptly, effectively and efficiently in oral and written English with all members of the health care team; (3) the ability to develop professional relationships with patients; (4) maintaining patient confidentiality; and (5) the ability to work in a collegial and appropriate manner with members of the health care team. Failure to meet these minimum standards may be grounds for corrective action and possible dismissal. Residents are expected to promptly and adequately address and modify any inappropriate behaviors that may be brought to their attention.
In addition to the above, each program director shall provide written residency program standards which shall include program educational goals and objectives. The standards shall also specify the levels of knowledge and technical skills against which each resident will be evaluated. Such standards should recognize the requirements for residency program accreditation plus the requirements for specialty board certification. A copy of the approved standards shall be provided to each resident, along with a description of UMMS and individual residency program evaluation procedures. These will also be available in the OGME.
B. Evaluation
It is the responsibility of faculty to provide ongoing feedback to each resident concerning his/her performance. A resident must be informed as soon as possible when performance is below the level of performance set by the program’s written standards or other applicable standards such as professional ethics or hospital policies. Remedial work or additional educational responsibilities may be assigned or additional supervision may be provided.
Each resident shall receive from the program director a formal, written evaluation at least every six months, which shall include a review of knowledge, skill, growth and development, professional attitude, and demeanor. The evaluations shall be filed in the resident's departmental personnel files and shall be discussed with the resident as required by the AGME. A resident may dispute a written evaluation report by submitting a written response, which shall be filed with the evaluation report.
Each resident must complete all required written or electronic evaluations as scheduled including confidential written evaluations of the faculty and educational experiences at least yearly or as requested by each department. Each resident must submit an annual anonymous program evaluation to the Office of Graduate Medical Education.
C. Reappointment and Certification
For reappointment to the next higher PG level within a UMMS program, each resident must satisfactorily complete all reappointment requirements as established by the Medical School and the program, and must complete a residency program reappointment agreement. This includes passage of Step 2 CK and CS of the USMLE or COMLEX or equivalent Canadian Medical Licensing Examination for appointment to the PGY2 level. This also includes maintenance of a valid Massachusetts Full or Limited Medical Practice License. Passage of Step 3 of the USMLE or COMLEX or equivalent Canadian Medical Licensing Examination is required prior to promotion to the PGY3 year.
Candidates for completion-of-program certificates must satisfactorily complete predetermined programmatic, educational, administrative, HIPAA, and patient care requirements including medical records.
The program director shall notify a resident and the OGME, in writing, if s/he will not be advanced to the next higher PGY level or if s/he will not receive a certificate of completion (that is, will not be certified for specialty board eligibility). Notice of non-reappointment will generally be given six months prior to the expected date of completion or advancement. The program director and the resident may mutually agree, and confirm in writing, to postpone a notification concerning advancement or certification until four months prior to the expected date of completion or advancement. Notwithstanding the above time frames, notice of non-reappointment may be given to the resident at any time prior to the expected date of completion or advancement if circumstances warrant. Residents have the right to appeal the program director’s notification of non-reappointment through the grievance process described for Disciplinary action of the appeal process,, set forth in Section V “B” below.
In order to guarantee continued participation in the residency/fellowship program, each resident must sign and return a GME Reappointment Agreement no later than 90 days prior to the effective date of the reappointment unless otherwise agreed upon by the resident and program director.
D. Termination
The program director may terminate the resident’s employment during the term of the contract pursuant to the evaluative process described herein. A resident may terminate his/her employment upon three months notice or such shorter period, as the program director shall approve. All medical records and all evaluation and other required forms must be completed and equipment returned before termination. Upon termination a resident will be paid the portion of salary earned prior to termination. Also health and dental benefits may be continued under COBRA by paying the full premiums plus the administrative fee allowed by the law. The Certificate of Completion for Board eligibility will be issued and request for withdrawal or transfer of state retirement contributions will be processed upon satisfactory completion of all requirements as determined by the program director. A resident will have the right to appeal the decision to terminate his/her employment pursuant to the appeals process set forth in Section V “C” below.