Can some interpret this letter?

[rdoctor1234]

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It is our recommendation that [redacted] receive an independent psychiatric evaluation, preferably by the [name of organization redacted], but at the very least by a psychiatrist approved by the Panel. This evaluation should be accompanied by the recommended treatment before final termination of his position is effective. It is also our finding that [redacted] has not successfully improved his deficiencies as outline in [redacted]'s letter notifying [redacted] of his probation. Had the psychotherapy been mandated, the Panel would have recommended termination.

[Redacted]'s continuance in the [redacted] Residency Program represents a danger to patient safety. We concur with [redacted]'s decision to remove him from his residency training on [date redacted].

The panel recommends that [redacted] should be considered suspended from the [redacted] Residency Program until the recommended psychiatric evaluation is completed.

All Panel members have read and agree with this report.

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Is the resident terminated or is a decision regarding termination pending the result of the psychiatric evaluation?

 

[wysdoc]

This letter I would interpret:
1. the resident is now suspended from the residency training program
2. the resident must be evaluated by a psychiatrist, and begin recommended treatment, before final decisions are made
3. The panel would terminate the resident now if they had thought to make psychiatric treatment mandatory earlier, but they had not done so
4. The panel does not think the resident has improved during the probation period

TL/DR : not terminated right now, but nothing encouraging in this letter

 

[SpartanWolverine]

There's a bit of back-and-forth language but this sums it up: "[resident] should be considered suspended from the Residency Program until the recommended psychiatric evaluation is completed. " Suspended but not terminated at this point, as I read it. Sounds like termination is all but decided, though.

 

[rdoctor1234]

Is mandating psychotherapy required before firing a resident?

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

That depends on what they were fired for.


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[rdoctor1234]

“... deficits in communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, and accepting feedback.”

 

[NotAProgDirector]

From an admin perspective, this is a relatively poor way of going about this. I would never mandate a psych evaluation, or psychotherapy. That's none of my business (unless I determine that you're suicidal or actively psychotic -- at which point I get you to the ED for an evaluation and step away).

What should be done is explain what the deficits are, and what needs to improve (and in what time frame). If we are concerned that continued training poses a risk to safety, then we refer you for a fit for duty exam (usually in occ med, who would involve psych if needed). Ultimately all I hear back is whether you're fit for duty, or out on leave.

 

[hamstergang]

Is mandating psychotherapy required before firing a resident?

No.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I agree it's not worded very clearly, but it seems like a termination is coming and the psych eval is probably just a formality.

 

[rdoctor1234]

I agree it's not worded very clearly, but it seems like a termination is coming and the psych eval is probably just a formality.

That is my concern. However, a formality seems to be on necessary if required. A previous poster mentions that mandatory psychiatric evaluation prior to termination is not required. What are your thoughts?

 

[mcl]

That is my concern. However, a formality seems to be on necessary if required. A previous poster mentions that mandatory psychiatric evaluation prior to termination is not required. What are your thoughts?

Look at your employment contract. It should outline disciplinary procedures including probation/termination/appeal process. If it doesn't indicate that a psychiatric evaluation is required, then it likely isn't. If it isn't, you should have the right to refuse, or at least to ask on what basis the eval is being required. If it is in the contract and you have to go through with it, then at least get an independent examiner. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.

 

[GoSpursGo]

That is my concern. However, a formality seems to be on necessary if required. A previous poster mentions that mandatory psychiatric evaluation prior to termination is not required. What are your thoughts?

I'm SPECULATING that while it isn't an ACGME requirement, it may be a requirement of the institution you work for; without seeing your contract I can't be certain, but I second the recommendation of the prior poster who suggests looking at your contract.

That being said, the underlying message that I take away is that they have decided to terminate the resident and are in the process of crossing the necessary t's and dotting the necessary i's.

 

[captaincrunch]

I wonder if the psych evaluation is to make sure that the resident doesn't have a protected disability before they move forward with termination.

 

[rdoctor1234]

Thank you for everyone for your comments. Conversation with the University's lawyer confirmed that the resident is suspended and may be reinstated pending results of the psychiatric evaluation. This thread can end if needed. Thanks.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Closed by request of OP.