The Program Director monitors residents for signs of impairment. Residents may also self-report to the Program Director and an Institutional Policy on Physician Impairment will, in that case, be followed. Individuals with forms of illness or other reasons for deficient performances are review with the Department Chairman. Recognition of impairment in self, including stemming from fatigue and mental health, will be assessed with an in-person mandatory lecture for the fellows. An additional session will be performed with all teaching faculty on recognition of fatigue, mental health difficulties, and substance abuse in trainees via an in person session during a faculty meeting. This session will re-inforce the teaching that all faculty have to perform online as part of annual hospital training for faculty at NYP. Coverage is provided by a reassignment of call schedules including instances in which the senior staff takes the call. Every effort is made to ensure ample opportunity to succeed in the program.
The Program Director as well as all of the full-time faculty members who meet with the residents on a daily basis are sensitive to and monitor the residents for any signs of stress. If needed, counseling services can be made available through the New York Presbyterian Hospital Housestaff Occupational Health Office.