Disciplinary Procedures

Reappointment of Residents

Reappointment of residents will depend upon the resident's academic and clinical performance, professional behavior, the availability of funding and the continuation of the residency program iteself. 

Residents must pass USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Exams to advance to the HO II level and must pass USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Exams or Part II of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam to advance to the HO III level. A resident who does not meet these requirements will be placed on unpaid leave for a maximum of 6 months in order to prepare for and pass the exam. Failure to pass the required examination by the end of this leave period will result in dismissal from the program. The resident's program director may apply to the GMEC for a one-time extension of the requirement for a period of 6 months or less. The letter must present compelling reqsons for the extension and must be co-signed by the resident. At the end of the extension, if the requirements are not met, the resident will go on upaid leave and must pass the test within 6 months as above. Until the requirements are met, the resident will not advance in pay level. 

Notification of non-reappointment. Residents will be provided with a written notice of intent not to renew their contract no later than four months before the end of the current contract. If the primary reasons for the non-renewal occur within the four months before the end of the contract, the house officer will be notified of the notice of non-renewal as early as circumstances will allow.

Probation

If a resident's performance is deemed to be unsatisfactory from academic or professional aspects or as a consequence of a breach of the House Officer Agreement or the Bylaws of the Board of Regents, the resident may be placed on probation. If so, the resident, the Office of Graduate Medical Education, and the Graduate Medical Education Committee shall be notified in writing. The notice shall include: the specific problems in the resident's performance, what will constitute evidence that the problems have been remedied, and the date at which the resident's performance will next be reviewed. 

A review of the resident's performance must take place within three months following the initiation or extension of probation. At the designated time the department may extend the resident's probation, end the probation, or dismiss the resident. 

Dismissal

Unsatisfactory academic performance, or breach of the terms of the house officer agreement or of the Bylaws of the Board of Regents shall be sufficient grounds for dismissal. Gross failure to perform duties, or illegal or unethical conduct may resutl in immediate dismissal. The Office of Graduate Medical Education must be notified and provided with all supporting documentation prior to initiating dismissal action. 

Grievance and Appeals

Policies regarding appeal of academic dismissal, unsatisfactory academic performance, or grievances involving terms of the house officer agreement are contained in the house officer agreement.