Important Information

• Changes in the resident schedule are usually feasible with enough notice. Residents are encouraged to look through the block and call schedules to find an appropriate solution to their requests.

• All schedule changes (rotations, calls, weekends, single day coverage) must be approved by the chief residents. All changes must be reflected in EZCALL.

• Chiefs are not responsible for arranging schedule swaps, making up missed shifts, or evening out the schedule unless there is a prolonged absence. They will make every effort to fairly distribute coverage for essential services.

  Note: If an FTP clinic requires coverage, a swap or an additional clinic day may be necessary to ensure each resident completes at least 40 continuity clinics per year.

Non-Emergent Coverage Requests

Any requests not related to sick time or bereavement.

If a resident would like to request time off from any rotation (essential or nonessential) that is non-emergent (taking an exam, interviews, family events, conferences, etc.), it is that resident's responsibility to find coverage by asking another resident. The coverage must still be approved by the chiefs to ensure that this swap/coverage does not violate duty hours or cause other conflicts. The chiefs can help find/discuss potential coverage options, though ultimately it is still the responsibility of the requesting resident to find appropriate coverage. For these non-emergent requests, it is not the responsibility of the chiefs to find/mandate coverage for these requests.  

Sick Call-Outs During the Weekday DAYtime

Even if you are not on an essential rotation (inpatient service/clinic) you are still required to inform the chiefs of your sick status and absence that day. This is because there is a limited number of days that can be taken for sick time without it impacting required training time in residency. 

If a resident calls out sick during the weekday daytime and is on an essential rotation, the chiefs will reach out to a resident (ideally of the same PGY year) that is either off service/on a non-essential rotation to cover. Meaning, it is expected that regardless of the rotation you are on, that you are in the area Monday-Friday from 7 AM-5 PM unless you inform the chiefs otherwise and get approval. Please note that if you are not going to be around for some reason, you should let the chiefs know ahead of time. If we reach out for coverage and you are not in the area and the chiefs were not informed beforehand, this will be communicated to program leadership. However, this should not stop you from scheduling necessary appointments such as doctors/dentist/therapy etc and if you are unable to cover due to a conflict because of such an appointment we will work to find another solution or work around the appointment.

Factors to Consider

• If a daytime rotation schedule was changed, were the residents’ previously assigned call schedules accounted for? This includes short call, weekend calls, night shifts, and second calls

• Do the residents have outpatient clinic patients scheduled in the Faculty Teaching Practice?

• If a night shift is involved, do the residents have daytime duties that require coverage for the next day?

• After the switch, do the residents have 4 days off in a 4 week period?

• Do the residents end up working two weekends in a row, effectively working 19 days non-stop? While this is technically permissible, it is highly discouraged.

• Do the residents have other scheduled departmental assignments, including M&M presentation, case conference presentation, medical student didactics, or NCCU simulation sessions that would be affected by the change?