Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is a highly-ranked hospital established in 1925. The hospital is part of the Texas Medical Center and is the primary teaching hospital for McGovern Medical School. Suppose you are a medical resident at this prestigious institution. In that case, you have many opportunities to learn with some of the most talented supervisors in the state. After finishing medical school, you gain hands-on experience, working with patients and interacting with medical teams to improve your practice. However, just as you are part of the team at Memorial-Hermann, you are accountable for your actions. You must demonstrate the highest principles of professionalism and ethical behavior that befits your profession. Moreover, you must also strive to progress in your program promptly to remain part of the institution.
As a medical resident, many opportunities await you at Memorial Hermann. But when mishaps happen, even if they are honest mistakes, they lead to severe repercussions, including probation, suspension, and dismissal from the program. With any of these, you may suffer career-impacting effects, including reputation loss. As the latter has severe consequences on your future practice and career, you need to ensure that you have a solid plan to recover if allegations happen. One of the ways to decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is to work with a professional who understands the implications. Otherwise, you may find that the sanctions have short and long-term effects on your progress as a doctor that take decades to remove.
Medical Resident Policies at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Taking part in a medical residency at Memorial Hermann is an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with significant pressure. A medical residency in such an institution takes hard work, ethics, professionalism, and timely progression to complete successfully. According to the code of ethics, the institution is committed to providing high-quality care to residents of Greater Houston. One of the ways that it maintains these standards is by enforcing a compliance program to provide the highest ethical standards for patients and the community. As per the code, the following policies all fall within the compliance program:
- Employee compliance responsibilities that deal with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Quality of care to maintain integrity within the organization and quality in job performance
- Compliance with laws and regulations that include following policies on law violations, solicitation and kickback policies, and patient billing
- Human resources policies that include rules on harassment, sexual flirtation, allegations of inappropriate behavior, and use of shared services
- Billing and coding policies
- Protection and use of information, property, and assets
- Conflicts of interest and disclosure policies
- The gift policy that applies to patient, physician, and vendor gifts
- Standards of conduct concerning safety and health
All teaching hospitals establish these standards to ensure that healthcare staff abide by the rules and to maintain their reputation. Medical residents who go against any of these policies risk repercussions, including dismissal for unethical behavior.
Risk of Violating Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Policies
According to the code of ethics, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center takes violations seriously and established multiple ways to report violations. The institution considers itself an open environment for all people to address compliance issues and concerns. When problems arise, those who believe a violation occurred may report the matter to a supervisor. If the issues relate to human resources, the institution has a designated line for HR-shared services that people can call. Moreover, suppose someone is uncomfortable speaking to a supervisor or going through the human resources hotline. In that case, they may submit an anonymous complaint through the Memorial Hermann Compliance Hotline. Additionally, the institution encourages people to report their concerns to the Chief Compliance Officer if the violation is egregious.
The helpline is accessible 24/7, meaning medical residents must know their actions are under close scrutiny. Although this is a common byproduct of working within a highly regulated environment, the hospital also allows for anonymous reporting. This structure may lead to issues for residents who made an honest mistake, especially since the investigation process may lead to reputation damage and problems with colleagues.
Protective Procedures for Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Although the institution does not publicly publish its due process procedures, every resident accused of wrongdoing can defend themselves. You may assume that you can face these issues alone, but maintaining your calm and reputation during this time is tricky. When you face allegations that potentially impact your tenure at Memorial Hermann, you need the guidance of a professional attorney-advisor who understands what you are going through. Some things you can do in the meantime are to stay calm, never retaliate, and understand the accusations made against you. The more information you have about the alleged violation, the better prepared you are to face them with a skilled attorney-advisor when the time comes.
Winning Defense for Medical Residents
Becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process that doesn't end after you finish medical school. As a resident, you are now more accountable for your actions, ethics, professionalism, and progression. But when your career is on the line and in danger of ending, you need the experience of an attorney-advisor who works with residents nationwide and has your best interests in mind.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento knows what is at stake. With years of experience dealing with complex cases nationwide, Joseph D. Lento stands up for medical residents. Attorney Lento thoroughly invests in your case and ensures that you have solid representation amongst a panel at your institution. With his dedication to clients and passionate belief in justice, Attorney Lento does all in his power to help increase the likelihood of a fair case outcome.
You worked for years and spent countless hours and funds on your path to becoming a successful doctor. Don't let a mistake during your medical residency hinder your way to success. Call the Lento Law Firm Team today for a thorough and discreet consultation at 888-535-3686.
