Graduate Medical Education (GME) is an organized program of learning through which residents and fellows progress as they demonstrate competence.
This policy outlines procedures for Academic Actions (Promotion, Letters for Improvement, Non-promotion, Non-renewal, and Academic Dismissal). This policy applies to all accredited residency and fellowship programs sponsored or administered by the University at Buffalo.
The Program Director, in consultation with Program faculty and/or CCC as appropriate, shall determine whether each resident/fellow has met the Program’s standard for promotion to the next level of training. Promotion decisions should be consistent with accreditation and other pertinent guidelines (such as certifying board requirements).
Letters for Improvement are issued to residents/fellows who have uncorrected deficiencies in performance following verbal or written feedback or assessments.
Non-promotion of a resident/fellow extends or repeats a resident’s/fellow’s level of training. Since promotion is not automatic, residents/fellows who have not made satisfactory progress or successfully completed the requirements of a given level of training may be required to extend or repeat all or a portion of a level of training.
Non-renewal is a decision not to extend a resident’s/fellow’s appointment in the Program past the current term. Non-renewal is used when Academic Dismissal is not warranted for residents/fellows who have failed to correct identified deficiencies and/or demonstrate required skills, knowledge, or behaviors required to progress to the next level of responsibility. Residents/fellows considered for Non-renewal must have been previously provided with one or more personal learning plans in connection with a Letter for Improvement.
Academic Dismissal of a resident/fellow may occur at any point in the academic year. Academic Dismissal is used when immediate action is warranted for residents/fellows who have failed to correct identified deficiencies and/or demonstrate required skills, knowledge, or behaviors. Residents/fellows considered for Academic Dismissal must have been previously provided with one or more personal learning plans in connection with a Letter for Improvement.
Residents/fellows are entitled to review of Non-promotion, Non-renewal, and Academic Dismissal, as well as personal learning plans that extend training as described in the UB GME Academic Action and Misconduct Review Policy.
Established: 2008
GMEC Approved Date: June 19, 2018