Medical Residencies at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, VA
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in VA is a highly respected healthcare institution. It is a primary teaching hospital affiliated with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), and you'll be working alongside highly qualified and experienced medical professionals who will push you to excel.
If you are completing your residency at this hospital, you've already shown an impressive level of academic knowledge and technical competency, and now is the time for you to reach your full potential. Although there are many challenges still to come as you build your career, it's clear that you have what it takes to succeed. The last thing you need is a medical residency issue or disciplinary sanction to jeopardize everything you've worked for. Contact the Lento Law Firm Team now at 888.535.3686 for help with residency concerns.
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Policies
Every resident at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital must follow the rules set by various bodies. You must, for example, abide by any applicable policies from Sentara Healthcare, and you must familiarize yourself with hospital-specific rules and regulations.
As Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a teaching hospital for EVMS, you're also expected to follow the school's applicable rules, including the Graduate Medical Education Policies and Procedures and any obligations set out in your training contract. The policies cover, for example:
- disciplinary action
- duty hours
- leaves of absence
- moonlighting
- stipends
- technical standards
- workplace safety
There are numerous actions that could be considered medical residency violations, such as a failure to make sufficient progress, behaving unprofessionally towards staff or patients, breaching patient confidentiality, or failing to report moonlighting activities. Whatever the nature of the alleged violation, it's important that you deal with the matter without delay. The Lento Law Firm can help you resolve disciplinary issues as promptly and effectively as possible.
Under the guidelines, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and EVMS will also endeavor to support residents who are affected by program closures or changes. They will attempt to provide as much notice as they can and, where possible, help to place you in another program.
Consequences of Violating Policies at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Any policy violation, however minor, can have significant repercussions, especially when you're training in such a highly competitive field. Hospital disciplinary action may be initiated against you in the following circumstances:
- There are concerns about whether you're making satisfactory clinical progress.
- You are allegedly not meeting performance goals or objectives set by you or the hospital.
- The hospital alleges you have breached Sentara Healthcare policies.
- You have allegedly failed to present yourself in a professional manner while at work.
Disciplinary action may also be initiated if you breach policies and procedures set by EVMS.
At Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a policy violation could result in sanctions such as:
- dismissal from the program
- non-promotion to the next training year
- non-renewal of the residency contract
- suspension from the program
Even if you're not subject to such serious penalties, you could face remedial action such as probation or closer supervision.
In all cases, disciplinary action can call your professional reputation into question. At this pivotal stage in your career, it's crucial that you have every opportunity to defend yourself and demonstrate how much you can contribute to the field of medicine. Joseph Lento, an experienced attorney-advisor, wants to help, so don't hesitate to call him for support if you're facing sanctions.
Challenging Misconduct Allegations
Any allegations relating to your professional conduct or clinical ability should be dealt with promptly and effectively. Otherwise, they could spiral out of proportion and – in some cases – seriously damage your career.
Residents are usually entitled to challenge significant disciplinary measures, such as non-promotion, non-renewal of the training contract, and dismissal from the program. Every institution has slightly different rules and procedures for appealing sanctions, but in all cases, you are entitled to due process and a fair hearing.
EVMS has established Grievance and Due Process Procedures which you can follow if you are completing your graduate medical education at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Although you can trigger the appeals process by calling the Vice Dean for Graduate Medical Education, formal appeal requests must be made in writing. A meeting will be scheduled, and a fact-finding committee will review all available information regarding your alleged misconduct and the disciplinary action. The Dean/Provost of EVMS makes a final decision, and you'll receive notice of the outcome in writing.
Depending on your program, you may have other avenues available for appealing disciplinary action. You should consult your Program Director if you're at all unsure which procedures are available to you.
An appeal is your opportunity to defend your residency and demonstrate why you deserve to complete the program. Joseph Lento can help you present the strongest possible case, and he will ensure that you receive the fair treatment you're entitled to under the applicable policies.
Medical Resident Attorney-Advisor Joseph Lento | Lento Law Firm
As a medical resident at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, you have a great deal to be proud of. You've sacrificed a lot to reach this point in your medical career, and you should have the opportunity to realize your full potential.
Joseph Lento, an experienced attorney-advisor, believes that every medical resident deserves a second chance. He appreciates how hard you have worked to get here, and he will do everything possible to ensure you can continue your residency. Even if completing the residency is not possible, he will strive to help you negotiate a discreet withdrawal with minimal fuss.
Joseph Lento and his Student Defense Team are waiting and ready to help you face the challenges ahead. Don't try to handle medical residency issues alone – they are inherently complex, and it's crucial that you receive advice from an experienced advisor before making any decisions. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or leave a message online to get started.
