How resident unprofessional behavior is identified and managed: a program director survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how unprofessional behavior by residents is identified/ managed within residency programs, and under what conditions concerns are communicated to potential employers.


METHODS
A web-based survey was emailed to 241 directors of US obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.


RESULTS
141 program directors (PDs) responded (58%). 84% of PDs indicated that problems with professionalism most commonly come to their attention through personal communication. Methods of addressing the problem included expression of expectation of improvement (95%), psychological counseling (68%), placing resident on probation (59%), and dismissal (30%). The majority of PDs felt remediation was not completely successful. All PDs are willing to communicate professionalism concerns to potential employers, but 42% provide this information only if asked.


CONCLUSIONS
Resident unprofessional behavior is a common problem for program directors, and remediation is challenging. PDs are willing to express concerns to potential employers, but a significant percentage indicate concerns only if asked.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. adamsk@ohsu.edu
Karen E
KE
Adams
Sandra
S
Emmons
Jillian
J
Romm
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001519:Behavior; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011361:Professional Competence; D011364:Professional Practice