EVALUATIONS
Evaluation of fellows by the attending physicians is at the conclusion of each clinical rotation. Evaluation forms are compiled in each fellow's folder after being reviewed by the program director. In addition, the program director meets with each fellow at least two times a year in January and June. Discussion during these meetings includes the fellow's progress and prior evaluations. A principle objective of these meetings is to discuss how the training program can facilitate the fellow's career goals. The program director and division chief are available for informal discussion of progress and career advice at anytime. At the July meeting of the Committee, the progress of each fellow is summarized by the program director and recommendations are made for promotion to the next postgraduate year.
In the event that a fellow's progress is judged to be insufficient, a remediation program will be recommended by the program director. The program will be designed to address the specific areas of deficient knowledge, behavior, attitudes, and/or skills. If, at the time of re-evaluation, the progress is still judged to be insufficient, the fellow will be placed on probation. The fellow will be notified in writing of the probationary status, specific areas judged to be deficient, expectations for improvement, methods for regular re-evaluation of progress, and the anticipated date at which time the fellow's status will be reviewed. The fellow will also be notified in that letter that the fellow has the right to request an appeal of the decision at the departmental level. This request must be made in writing within 14 days of receipt of the probationary letter. If this request is made, the Residency Committee will address the appeal according to the process described in the Reference Manual. The Committee will notify the fellow, in writing, of the result of the appeal within 5 days of completion of the review. If the action is to sustain, the fellow will also be notified in writing that he/she has the right to appeal the decision at the GME level.
If the fellow does not achieve satisfactory remediation during the probationary period, the Committee will make the decision for non-renewal of contract. Except in unusual circumstances, this decision will be made and communicated to the fellow in writing at least 4 months prior to the completion of the current postgraduate year. The fellow will also be notified in wiring of his/her right to appeal as described above.
