My progam needs help

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OP, you aren't isolated. This has happened to other people before you...not to me, luckily, but there are similar stories and they aren't as rare as some might think. Part of the problem happens when you get people with high standards and who really care about patient care but who end up in a residency where there are dubious practices going on. I just think it's really hard to change a whole culture/program of a residency, and sometimes you may just have to get out. If you want to, seek the advice of others on here who have been in that position. Switching out into primary care will be easier than switching into other specialties. I know someone who switched OB to internal med and while not being on great terms with the program he was leaving, so it can be done. Not that it will be easy, but it can be done. You really have to think if being a surgeon with crappy training is going to be better than being something else with decent or good training...
 
Dragonfly is right on the money with this one, very well said. If you are the one with the high standards, then you will seem like the odd one out when everyone else around you is less scrupulous. Sad, but true.

People know on some level that they are not doing the right thing, and if you are someone who does want to do the right thing then you will always be a reminder of what they know they are not doing. Even if you never say a word. For example, maybe you are super attentive to handwashing practices - as we all should be. But some programs - believe it or not - are not very mindful of good handwashing hygiene. You might have trained in a hospital that requires constant handwashing and in/out use of hand sanitizers but are now in a community program that doesn't seem to even notice handwashing. Who is going to stand out, and why?

Disciplinary psych is a shameful tactic to get you to be 'the problem.' In very unhealthy environments - like an alcoholic home - someone has to be the problem other than the alcoholic. You my friend, are now being made the problem - instead of the alcoholic. Gather information, choose carefully and design your next move privately. Trust your instincts -
 
Is it possible to survive this?
 
Is it possible to survive this?

It depends on what you mean by survive. There is a strong chance that you will either be fired or forced to resign. Make sure you line up another residency spot right now so you can make as smooth a transition as possible. Don't let your program know about it until you have the spot, with a signed contract. If you can secure another spot before your program has a chance to fire you, then you're good, and you can tell your malignant PD to shove it where the sun don't shine.
 
Yeah,I think you at least need to start looking for an exit strategy. You sound like a good well intentioned resident - someone will want you in his program...perhaps not in the surgical specialty you desire. I think in your position I'd at least be looking around online to see what is there...and/or talk with your med school if it's not the same place you are doing residency...or with old med school colleagues at other programs. Nobody knows what is going to happen with you, but you need to at least consider you might need to leave within a few months.
 
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