Residency

Ask the expert: What characteristics are associated with problem residents?

Residency Program Insider, June 2, 2009

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Program directors, faculty, and coordinators must determine whether disruptive behavior is due to a lack of knowledge, clinical, or technical skills, or interpersonal attributes. This can be difficult to discern.

Once skill- or knowledge-deficient residents recognize they’re performing below standards, they will often work hard to improve performance. Showing residents concrete evidence, such as evaluations or exam scores, will usually help them see that their performance is sub par.

Residents exhibiting disruptive behavior due to personal attributes will often display an inability or unwillingness to:

  • Acquire and integrate professional standards into their professional practice and communications
  • Acquire professional skills to reach an acceptable level of competency
  • Control personal stress, interpersonal difficulties, or emotional reactions

By understanding the different characteristics associated with each type of disruptive behavior, program directors can better determine the most effective form of remediation for the resident.

Today’s question and answer are from The Complete Residency Program Management Guide, by Ruth H. Nawotniak, MS, C-TAGME.



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