Schedule Request Policy
The Program Office will make every attempt to accommodate schedule requests that are reasonable and follow proper procedure. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted, but we will always do our best.
Highest priority is given to requests for fellowship/job interviews and requests to travel to present academic work. Schedule requests that are made or approached in an unprofessional way are much less likely to be approved. Demonstrating proper professionalism during your time the program will also increase the chance that your schedule request will be granted.
There are certain situations in which residents will be required to find their own coverage, and maintaining a professional reputation amongst your colleagues at all times in the program will usually greatly assist you in finding coverage.
Annual Vacation Requests:
- Selection forms are usually sent to all house staff, via e-mail, in early February for the next academic year. Vacation requests are given in 14 day intervals. Selections should be made with 2 weeks in the first half of the academic year (July-Dec) and 2 weeks in the second half of the academic year (Jan-Jun). Forms should be returned to Cynthia Dominguez. The American Board of Internal Medicine forbids residents from forfeiting their vacation time. (You MUST take your vacation!)
Block Requests: (requests re: sick call, taking USMLE/COMLEX 3, golden weekends, religious holidays, family functions, weddings, etc)
Due to the large number of residents in the program and the need to try to accommodate everyone, only one request per block is allowed.
Residents should submit two things to Residency Program Manager.
- A Block Request Form received by the due date for the block (watch your email for due dates from the program office staff) and
- A completed Prerequisite Form.
If you email the chief medical resident first with a request, you will be re-directed to the step above.
No block requests will be accepted if you are scheduled in MICU, CCU or any night float (except fellowship, job interviews or travel requests to present academic work.) Unless there is an immediate emergency, e-mail requests to a chief medical resident without the above required documentation will not be accepted.
Interview or Conference/Travel Schedule Requests:
Please refer to the “Policy on Conferences and Academic Travel." In addition:
All residents requesting time off to attend a fellowship/job interview MUST:
- Advise the appropriate chief medical resident (CMR) as soon as the interview invitation is received.
- Provide a copy of the invitation to the CMR.
The CMR will work with ambulatory site staff regarding rescheduling of ambulatory patients and missed resident sessions. Coverage for inpatient duties should be arranged by the resident but MUST THEN ALSO BE APPROVED BY THE CMR. If a resident cannot find coverage for a fellowship or job interview, the CMR will assist.
Jury Duty:
Provide copy of summons upon receipt to the CMR and program coordinator.