UIHC Medical Residencies
As a medical resident at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), you carry a huge amount of responsibility on your shoulders. This is the moment you've worked so hard for – the moment when you can finally call yourself a doctor. You'll be working alongside the University of Iowa to deliver safe and comprehensive patient care, and you should feel properly supported as you develop your professional skills.
The issue, however, is that life doesn't always go according to plan. You may face challenges that make it harder for you to perform your duties, or even complete your residency at all. Attorney-advisor Joseph Lento can help if you're facing medical residency issues that jeopardize your career. Call him at 888.535.3686 to learn more today.
Policies at UIHC
As a UIHC resident, you must sign a yearly training contract. Under this contract, you agree to perform your duties to UIHC's satisfaction. You also agree to follow University of Iowa policies, which apply to every UIHC resident. The most significant policies you should know about are as follows.
- Corrective Action Plan for Program Deficiencies: This policy sets out how UIHC will communicate performance deficiencies to residents and how performance issues may be corrected.
- Moonlighting Policy: Residents can't “moonlight” unless they follow the strict rules specified in the Moonlighting Policy.
- Policy and Procedures for the Evaluation and Advancement of House Staff: Under this policy, residents are entitled to regular performance reviews and timely feedback to help them develop professional skills.
- Statement on House Staff Member Concerns: Any resident facing disciplinary action, or who has questions regarding their performance or progress, can look to this policy for guidance on how to handle the matter.
Complying with UIHC policies means behaving professionally, treating colleagues and patients with respect, delivering safe patient care (in line with your training level), and taking responsibility for your professional development. If you have concerns about your progress or performance, don't let the worry overwhelm you. Instead, talk to your Program Director, or call the Medical Resident Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm if you're facing sanctions or remedial action.
Violating UIHC Medical Resident Policies
Sometimes, a resident's performance or behavior may allegedly fall below what's expected by UIHC. Examples of UIHC policy violations include:
- acting beyond the scope of your authority
- breach of patient confidentiality
- excessive number of absences
- failure to participate in UIHC education activities
- poor timekeeping
- reckless or unsafe patient care
- unprofessional conduct e.g., inappropriate clothing, offensive language, uncooperative behavior
Each department can determine its own ways to correct performance deficiencies, including mentorship programs, closer supervision, and extra educational activities. However, in some cases, more serious disciplinary action can threaten your career. Depending on the allegations against you, UIHC may choose to suspend or dismiss you from the program, refuse to renew your training contract, or prevent you from moving into the next training year.
In any case, UIHC disciplinary action can put the medical career you've worked so hard for at risk. To minimize the long-term impact of sanctions, you must deal with the issue quickly and with the right support behind you – which is where the Lento Law Firm can help.
UIHC Grievance Process for Medical Residents
The UIHC Statement on House Staff Member Concerns outlines the grievance procedures which residents can turn to if they're dealing with performance issues or serious disciplinary action such as suspension and dismissal.
Academic Performance and Non-Promotion
If a resident faces remedial action for alleged performance issues or if UIHC will not promote them to the next training year, they should do the following.
- Contact the Program Director in the first instance.
- If there's no satisfactory resolution available, contact the Graduate Medical Education Office (GMEO) to arrange an administrative review.
- Make a written request to the UIHC Director for further review, explaining why the action is unmerited and how it could adversely affect the resident's career prospects.
- The Director will either affirm the original decision, recommend an alternative action, or recommend that no action be taken against the resident.
Suspension, Dismissal, Non-Renewal of Contract
Any resident at risk of losing their place in the program can take the following action.
- Within 10 days of learning about the UIHC's decision, they can seek a review by the Departmental Committee.
- The Program Director will review the Departmental Committee's decision. If the resident believes the decision could seriously jeopardize their career development, they can seek a further review from the UIHC Director.
- If the Director agrees that the threat to the resident's career is significant, they will review the decision.
- The original decision may be approved or modified, depending on the Director's judgment. The outcome, at this stage, is final.
Although medical centers usually endeavor to treat all residents fairly and apply grievance procedures consistently, there's always the chance that they will not handle your case correctly. To ensure that you have a full and fair opportunity to challenge disciplinary action – and defend your career – contact attorney-advisor Joseph Lento for assistance.
UIHC Medical Resident Attorney-Advisor | Lento Law Firm
UIHC medical residents face potentially grave consequences for alleged performance issues, misconduct, or hospital policy violations. If you're a resident facing such challenges, then it's important that you have a compassionate and experienced representative at your side.
Joseph Lento, an attorney-advisor, has helped numerous individuals deal with disciplinary issues and get their careers back on track. He is committed to ensuring that every client gets the fair treatment they deserve, and alongside his Education Law Team, he will support you through all negotiations with UIHC to help you secure a favorable outcome.
At the Lento Law Firm, we understand how hard you've worked to reach this stage in your career. If you need help with a medical residency issue, let Joseph Lento stand in your corner. Leave him a message online or call him at 888.535.3686 today.
