Time Off Policy
At Upstate Medical University, we pride ourselves on providing our fellows with a healthy work/life balance. This includes providing them with sufficient time off to enjoy themselves with their friends, family, and other loved ones. We encourage you to explore our time off policies for the Rheumatology Fellowship program below.
In accordance with the ACGME and the ABIM Policy, a fellow is allowed 21 days off per academic year (this includes vacation time and normal sick leave). The Nationally recognized holidays are separate from the vacation days and can be taken in addition to the vacation days. Unused time CAN NOT be carried over to the following year (i.e., You must use your annual allotment time of 21 days). Anytime beyond the 21 days must be made up (i.e., training times could be extended leading to a residency ending date after June 30th; days can be made up in the 2nd training year, taking away from that year’s vacation time).
We fully support the Family Medical Leave Act; any time can be taken beyond the allotted 21 days. Please note that the days must be made up, or in specific circumstances, other options can be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event of fatigue, illness, family emergencies, etc., where a fellow is away for an extended period of time if needed, their patient care responsibility will be shared with the remaining fellows.
¹ “The ABIM recognizes that delays or interruptions may arise during training such that the required training cannot be completed within the standard total training time for the training type. In such circumstances, if the trainee's program director and clinical competency committee attest to ABIM that the trainee has achieved required competence with a deficit of less than one-month, extended training may not be required.” (ABIM Policies and Procedures for Certification February 2017)
It is advised that the fellow do not take a vacation in mid-October for our Recruitment days and early March for our ACR In-training Exam.
All time off requests must go through the program coordinator and director for approval. Time (excluding sick leave) taken off without prior EPO approval can lead to academic probation.
The earlier notification, the greater the probability of vacation approval.
Vacation notification MUST be given 30-days in advance for UHCC clinic and 60-days in advance for the VA clinic.
Residents are permitted to attend any medical, mental health, and dental care appointments during their training, including those scheduled during their working hours. If the appointment conflicts with scheduled activities, please inform the program coordinator to make arrangements to make-up the educational activity.
