Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, applicants have asked us many great questions. These queries, together with the answers we’ve provided, give you an excellent source of information on a range of important issues.
Q: How are residents’ requests for leave (maternity/paternity, sickness, vacation) handled?
A: Sick leave, short-term disability, maternity and paternity leaves, and family hardship leaves are all available. Leave policies are listed clearly in the department’s “Policy and Procedure Manual.” For brief absences, residents are expected to cover each other’s ambulatory patients and, in some settings, cover inpatient responsibilities as well. In general, the impact of one resident’s leave on his or her colleagues is minimal. We make every effort to maintain the integrity of each resident’s experience.
Q: To what extent do your residents interact with each other over the course of the four years of training?
A: All residents are together for the once-weekly residency lunches. Each month, one of those is the Program Director's lunches - to disseminate information to residents, overview policy changes and schedules, hear from residents involved in various committees, and discuss concerns and problematic issues. Other lunches are for resident feedback and input, also discussion. The residents also have two day-long, off-site retreats each year. These time-honored gatherings are another important means for building cohesion among the group and providing the department’s administration with valuable feedback. The monthly Journal Club is another meeting place for residents – articles are reviewed for the group by PGY-2’s and 3’s. PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents now rotate together on the same inpatient service, and a senior resident is often available to supervise and mentor. We strongly encourage interactions between residents across the four years of training.
The department created a resident resource room for residents’ use to provide a comfortable setting that fosters camaraderie and scholarship.
Q: To what extent do trainees have input into the organization, evaluation, and evolution of the training program?
A: Residents are the key contributors. They participate in key residency committees, including the Program Evaluation Committee and the Curriculum Committee. Feedback from residents is welcomed and sought in the course of daily work. Residents are aware of ways to submit feedback – anonymously if desired – regarding concerns about behaviors or unprofessional conduct, about clinical near misses or events, and other concerns.
Q: How are co-curricular activities supported by your program (i.e., research, policy training, organized medicine, off-site relations, and community service)?
A: Residents are encouraged to become involved in research sponsored by faculty members and supported by their grants. Residents can also develop their own research, and there is a 'research pathway' available for those who want to incorporate a substantial component of research into their careers. Residents can also apply to the Department Chair for funds to support specific, innovative projects. Plus, residents have the opportunity to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as volunteering at St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center Mental Health Clinic - a rewarding experience for residents and attendings for over 15 years.