Medical Residencies at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
After all those hard years of studying and sacrifice, you've finally made it. You've graduated from medical school, and you're ready to take the next step in your medical career – residency training. Once you complete your residency, you can obtain your unrestricted license and work as a fully qualified doctor in the US.
If you're reading this page, chances are that you're completing your residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a leading hospital in St. Louis and one of the top 20 hospitals in the US. As a Washington University School of Medicine trainee, you have the privilege of completing your residency at this respected medical center, but a medical residency comes with its own set of challenges. The work is demanding, and you are expected to take responsibility for your knowledge, behavior, and professional growth.
If for any reason, you are accused of breaching Barnes-Jewish Hospital policies, your residency may take longer to complete than planned. In the worst case, you may lose your position in the program. Joseph Lento, an experienced medical resident attorney-advisor, wants to stop this from happening if possible. Contact him at 888.535.3686 for help dealing with residency issues.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Medical Resident Policies and Guidelines
Barnes-Jewish Hospital residents must adhere to certain policies and conduct codes if they are to make progress. These policies are set by Washington University's Graduate Medical Education Consortium (GME) and it's important you understand how they affect you.
The policies cover an extensive number of areas, including pre-employment screening, resident supervision, patient care standards, and promotions. Although you should take the time to read them all, the Graduate Medical Education Consortium Operating Principles are the most significant.
Graduate Medical Education Consortium Operating Principles
The Graduate Medical Education Consortium Operating Principles govern the graduate education programs at three institutions:
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- St. Louis Children's Hospital
- Washington University School of Medicine
The Operating Principles determine, among other things, what constitutes misconduct, when a resident's contract may be terminated, and how residents can appeal disciplinary decisions against them.
For your convenience, you can also view these principles by section rather than browsing the full document. Key provisions include the following.
- Section X. Eligibility and Selection Policy for Residents and Clinical Fellows: Establishes that if a resident fails to meet certain professional and academic “Milestones” during their training, they must undergo remediation training which does not count towards the overall length of their training program. In other words, the residency will take longer to complete.
- Section XI. Responsibilities of Residents and Clinical Fellows : Sets out the various responsibilities you have as a resident, such as providing safe patient care, assuming responsibility, and developing your knowledge and medical skills.
- Section XIV. Disciplinary Action, Suspension, or Termination: This section outlines the disciplinary process and how residents can request a review.
- Section XV. Procedure for Review of Formal Adverse Disciplinary Decisions Relating to Residents and Clinical Fellows: Determines what residents must do if they wish to appeal the serious disciplinary action, e.g., non-renewal of their contract, non-promotion, or termination.
Infringing any section of the Operating Principles could result in you losing your place in the program or taking longer to complete your residency. Such severe consequences can seriously impact your ability to practice medicine.
Consequences of Violating Barnes-Jewish Hospital Policies
Minor errors, such as the occasional lapse in judgment, can often be resolved informally. However, Barnes-Jewish Hospital may take formal action against residents for certain types of conduct – here are some examples.
- A pattern of behavior indicating poor performance or professional conduct.
- Failing to meet the training program's clinical or academic requirements.
- Conduct that puts patients or staff at risk.
- Behavior that brings the Barnes-Jewish Hospital or Washington University into disrepute.
- Violations of the relevant bylaws, rules, guidelines, or conduct codes.
- Scientific misconduct, e.g., falsifying data, plagiarism, failing to use accepted research practices.
The consequences for a conduct violation vary depending on the facts of each incident. In the most serious cases, residents face suspension or losing their position in the program, or they could be held back from progressing alongside their peers.
Conduct violations have significant and sometimes career-altering consequences for residents. To ensure you have the best chance of completing your residency and preserving your professional reputation, contact the Lento Law Firm to speak with attorney-advisor Joseph Lento.
Procedures for Challenging Barnes-Jewish Hospital Residency Violations
Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine encourage residents to communicate with department officials and resolve disputes at the program level. A program-level resolution is less formal and helps to avoid major disruption to a resident's placement. However, residents can appeal the following disciplinary actions if they can't be resolved informally:
- denial of certification
- extension of the residency
- reduction or limitation of clinical duties
- termination, suspension, or non-reappointment
To request a review, residents should submit their request, in writing, within 14 days of the disciplinary decision to the Designated Institutional Officer (DIO). The DIO will appoint a panel to review the request and evidence submitted by the resident. The President of the Hospital makes the final decision based on the panel's recommendations, and the resident will receive written notice of the outcome. The President's decision is final.
Representation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital Medical Residents
Medical residencies at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are not easy to obtain. You've worked incredibly hard to be here, and you deserve a fair chance at defending yourself against misconduct accusations. At the Lento Law Firm, experienced attorney-advisor Joseph Lento will work to make sure that you have this opportunity. He can help you appeal adverse decisions, determine the best course of action, and prepare written submissions in your defense. He will do everything possible to ensure you can continue your residency with minimal disruption, and he'll ensure the hospital follows its own grievance procedures properly.
Joseph Lento is committed to helping you through this challenging and stressful time in your career. To retain his services, complete his contact form or call him today at 888.535.3686.
