Late Start Policy

Incoming residents are contractually bound to start on time. If a resident is unable to start work by July 15, the program director may, at his or her discretion, hold the position until September 1. Any positions held beyond September 1 must have the approval of the DIO/Chair of the GMEC and the prospective employing hospital.

If residents start before the 15^th day of the normal start date for their class and meet all other requirements, they may finish their first year on cycle with their class the following year. Residents starting more than 2 weeks late will not be allowed to make up missed time by forsaking their vacation and education leave. Such efforts to accelerate training and graduate “on cycle” are inappropriate and create inconsistencies within and between training programs.

Residents who find themselves in a delayed start date are encouraged to attend and participate in the Orientation of New Residents.

If a resident has met all requirements for employment except receipt of a license by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and it is reasonably expected that a license will be granted on or before July 15, the resident may, at the program director’s discretion, be allowed to start on time. Until a license is granted, the program director must ensure that the resident will participate in non-clinical activities only, and must provide verification that the resident can receive training credit for those non-clinical activities. If a license is not received by July 15, the resident will be placed on unpaid leave. If the resident has not received a license by September 1, he or she will be terminated, unless extension of the leave is approved by the DIO/Chair of GMEC and the employing hospital.