Dismissal

A resident may be dismissed "for just cause." In all cases, however, the resident has the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the resident Grievance and Appeal Policy.

Procedure Steps, Guidelines, or Recommendations

1. A resident may be dismissed "for just cause." Causes for dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   1. Incapacitating illness, which, in the judgment of the resident's Program Director precludes the resident from participation in the graduate medical education program and patient care activities.
   2. Failure by the resident to abide by policies of PCOM's teaching hospitals, GMEC policies, departmental policies, and resident-related provisions of the Medical and Bylaws/Rules and Regulations of the teaching hospitals.
   3. Failure by the resident to demonstrate, meet or maintain satisfactory levels of academic, professional, and/or clinical performance required by the residency programs. (See Remediation Policy)
   4. Failure by the resident to comply with licensure, registration, or certification requirements and/or failure by the Resident to maintain authorization for employment in the United States.
   5. Actions that directly violate any of the terms of the resident agreement of appointment.
   6. Willful or inexcusable breaches of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine rules or regulations. Unprofessional conduct or behavior by the resident who, in the opinion of the Program Director and DIO, interferes with the performance of the activities provided for under the resident agreement of appointment and/or which are determined by the Program Director and the DIO to be unsatisfactory for members of PCOM.
2. The Program Director is responsible for the decision to dismiss a resident, in accordance with program policies and ACGME requirements. The Program Director will consult with the Clinical Competency Committee and the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) prior to finalizing a dismissal decision.
3. The Program Director, in consultation with the DIO, may place a resident on administrative leave or remove the resident from clinical duties when there is concern for patient safety, professionalism, or institutional risk. Such actions will be documented and followed by a timely review.
4. The GMEC will maintain oversight of institutional policies and processes related to resident dismissal, but will not serve as the decision-making body for individual resident dismissals.
5. The Program Director will notify the resident of the dismissal decision. The GME office will collect identification badges, keys, and any other facility and record access items as soon as possible.
6. The DIO will notify the Program Coordinator and direct them to notify appropriate parties to ensure that resident access to electronic medical records and other privileged residency systems is terminated as soon as possible.
7. In the event of dismissal, the resident has the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the Resident Grievance and Due Process Policy.