http://www.acgme.org/adspublic/reports/pbProgs.asp
Can anyone explain exactly what it means to a program when they are put on probation??? And how does it affect the residents that are already working there....and those that are about to start....and also the applicants applying to it.
Thanks!
It means that the ACGME became aware of a fairly serious problem with the program, either identified during the RRC site visit, or reported directly to the ACGME. The ACGME works out a timeline for the program to work on the issues, and follows up on progress. The following actions can then be taken: the probation can be lifted, the probation can be continued, or in worst case the accredidation withdrawn.
As long as the program maintains accredidation, the residents who complete their training are basically in the clear (although it might not help on the resume to be graduating from a program on probation). If the program loses accreditation, the residents have to find somewhere else to finish their training.
As for applicants, it's kind of a "proceed at your own risk" situation. They need to find out (for real, and verified from an external source) why the program is on probation and how things are coming along. The quantity and quality of applicants will tend to be less to these programs, so they can work as backups in a way. In general, it seems wise to avoid these programs. There might be serious flaws with them that could make the conditions and quality of training substandard, and then there's the risk of the floor falling out from underneath if accreditation is withdrawn.
That said, programs do sometimes come back (University of Oklahoma in recent years) from probation.
