Put on 3 PIP plan, what can I do.

[divajai]

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So, my residency did not start off well. I did a horrible surgery intern year that I barely made it out alive but ended up pregnant unexpectedly. Then I transferred to my surgery program pregnant. I ended up with Preeclampsia w/HELLP and delivered my baby 2 months early. I was only allowed 3 months off because I could not take FMLA leave since I just transferred to a new program. Fast forward 6 months my son was very sick with respiratory issues and I was taking care of him alone during residency. I had to give up my kids because I could not do everything on my own. I was then put on my first PIP (performance improvement plan) by one PD, we then switched PD. I finished it and he refused to promote me to the next year (after an incident between him and I). Then I was placed on my second PIP, I was given the options to challenge it but I didn't because he had a paper trail of my unprofessionalism and i wouldn't have won. I finished the PIP and completed it. Now 3 1/2 months later, we have 6 month evaluations, they say everything of mine is below average. I was blind sided as I've only received 2 evaluations from attending's, one not even during this time period, and one current that I was average. I ask for verbal feedback but they always tell me Im fine. Im refusing this because residents should be given timely accurate feedback to make adjustments. Also, our program is closing down because of a lot of internal problems. Were allowed to finish but no new residents. Our program, has a history of witch-hunting residents. Im being treated completely different than everyone else. All the PD does is focus on me. At this point, Im getting a lawyer and fighting back.

Any advice?

 

[Crayola227]

A few things:

I urge you to comb SDN about topics related to residents and legal employment issues. There's a lot to learn.

After you have some background, you need to figure out what your goals are. Most attorneys know nothing about how residency training works, and as far as that goes residents are in a legal grey zone as far as employment law attorneys are concerned. So you need to have an idea of how the system works, and what outcomes you might reasonably achieve here. You also have the challenge of finding an attorney up to the task, assuming you don't have one already.

Keep in mind, what you want, what is fair, and what might actually be possible to get out of this, likely aren't all the same. Meaning, and I tell residents this constantly, if they want you gone, you will be gone. Sometimes even when it isn't fair at all, the best you can get is a resignation and a neutral PD LOR.

The fact you've made it this far is a miracle. Last piece of advice, be very careful about possibly antagonizing the program. Either they needed you pretty badly, or you really have a guardian angel somewhere, to have been given so many PIPs and not been terminated.

On the topic of not antagonizing the program, this is why I say you need to understand how this works, what you want to get out of it, because this will guide an attorney in helping you. That said, be careful how you and your attorney go about this. You may want the attorney helping you behind the scenes.

When I say, what do you want to get out of this, I partly mean what outcome do you want, but also, what is the legal case you plan to make here? Discrimination? What kind do you allege? What written evidence and eyewitnesses do you have? What employment protocols were not followed here, per what policies you have on paper from your program?

I'm very sorry to hear of your troubles and wish you the best with your child and your career.

 

[nvrsumr]

Get your priorities straight. Get out of surgery and and get your kid back.

 

[rokshana]

Get your priorities straight. Get out of surgery and and get your kid back.

Hmmm... would you say the same if the OP was a man?

 

[hamstergang]

Hmmm... would you say the same if the OP was a man?

Where is this coming from?

 

[rokshana]

Where is this coming from?

It’s a very judgmental statement that you made...there may be lots of reasons why the OP shouldn’t be in surgery but telling her that her priority should be getting her child back begs the question of whether this was a father “giving “ his kids up to peruse his profession would be a statement that would have been made..

 

[hamstergang]

It’s a very judgmental statement that you made...there may be lots of reasons why the OP shouldn’t be in surgery but telling her that her priority should be getting her child back begs the question of whether this was a father “giving “ his kids up to peruse his profession would be a statement that would have been made..

I didn't make any statements in this thread until now. I see no reason to assume the other poster was sexist. It sounds to me that the OP is suffering in surgery and in family life -- OP's gender has nothing to do with this.

 

[Piebaldi]

So, my residency did not start off well. I did a horrible surgery intern year that I barely made it out alive but ended up pregnant unexpectedly. Then I transferred to my surgery program pregnant. I ended up with Preeclampsia w/HELLP and delivered my baby 2 months early. I was only allowed 3 months off because I could not take FMLA leave since I just transferred to a new program. Fast forward 6 months my son was very sick with respiratory issues and I was taking care of him alone during residency. I had to give up my kids because I could not do everything on my own. I was then put on my first PIP (performance improvement plan) by one PD, we then switched PD. I finished it and he refused to promote me to the next year (after an incident between him and I). Then I was placed on my second PIP, I was given the options to challenge it but I didn't because he had a paper trail of my unprofessionalism and i wouldn't have won. I finished the PIP and completed it. Now 3 1/2 months later, we have 6 month evaluations, they say everything of mine is below average. I was blind sided as I've only received 2 evaluations from attending's, one not even during this time period, and one current that I was average. I ask for verbal feedback but they always tell me Im fine. Im refusing this because residents should be given timely accurate feedback to make adjustments. Also, our program is closing down because of a lot of internal problems. Were allowed to finish but no new residents. Our program, has a history of witch-hunting residents. Im being treated completely different than everyone else. All the PD does is focus on me. At this point, Im getting a lawyer and fighting back.

Any advice?

Oh wow. Numerous issues here. Are you an IMG/FMG? It seems you had a tough time with the pregnancy and the child sorry about that. Do you have a partner involved?what do u mean u had to give up your kids? It is unusual for someone to be put on several remediation plans so that's a red flag.

What unprofessionalism issues did you have? That certainly is problematic. Certainly it's unclear what incident you had with PD. You seem a tad combative, that's never good for someone having issues. It's important to be humble and put yur head down at times even if it sucks.

If there is a paper trail of you not doing well getting a lawyer is wasted money. The program will likely win, you are not in good financial shape as a resident, the program will come up with faculty and evaluations etc saying you are doing poorly and any chance of moving on will be shattered so bad bad idea on the lawyer. unfortunately while programs should not blind side they frequently do, but it you have two remediation plans and you havent even gotten to 6month evals, perhaps it's important for you to think about what you are doing wrong. yes it sucks that the program is getting shut down.

 

[Piebaldi]

Hmmm... would you say the same if the OP was a man?

Kid is far more important than some random shutting down program yes. Even if I did not make the initial statement.

 

[Piebaldi]

It’s a very judgmental statement that you made...there may be lots of reasons why the OP shouldn’t be in surgery but telling her that her priority should be getting her child back begs the question of whether this was a father “giving “ his kids up to peruse his profession would be a statement that would have been made..

No one regardless of their gender should give up their kids for gen surg or anything else!

 

[rokshana]

It’s a very judgmental statement that you made...there may be lots of reasons why the OP shouldn’t be in surgery but telling her that her priority should be getting her child back begs the question of whether this was a father “giving “ his kids up to peruse his profession would be a statement that would have been made..

Sorry didn’t see that you weren’t the poster... still judgy statement . Doubt it would have been mAde if the OP was a male.

 

[rokshana]

I didn't make any statements in this thread until now. I see no reason to assume the other poster was sexist. It sounds to me that the OP is suffering in surgery and in family life -- OP's gender has nothing to do with this.

Nice that you think it should be that way, but that’s not always the case...

 

[Dave1980]

@rokshana It's OK to judge someone if they aren't taking care of their kids.

 

[Ironheme]

Sorry to say but it sounds pretty dismal. They have a solid paper trail. I'd look at other programs if you can't finish this one - programs where incoming residents suddenly dropped out/switched, etc.

Your statement, " Im being treated completely different than everyone else. All the PD does is focus on me," is one I don't understand. If you're under remediation of course you're under a microscope. Things that other residents, who aren't under probation, can get away with, don't apply to you. If resident A who shows up 10 minutes late to lecture with no other blemish on their record, it's not a big deal. Versus resident B, who is being cited for professionalism issues (which you admitted above), shows up even 2 minutes late. You have less wiggle room.

Asking for the generic feedback 'how did I do?' is less useful than 'how did my management plan compare to what you would have done?' or 'What part of my hand off could use the most improvement?' Most attendings don't know how to give feedback well. I would think about how you're structuring your questions.

Sorry to hear you've been having a hard time. I hope it works out for you.

 

[captaincrunch]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through such a hard time. I agree you need to decide what you want. If you want to stay and finish your training, it sounds like an uphill battle. I'm not sure a lawyer can help you. But, if you're looking for a graceful exit and a neutral letter of recommendation, you might have better luck.

It sound like you've sacrificed too much already. Considering that you're struggling greatly and that the program is closing, I can't imagine giving up your kids in order to carry on.

Your life is at a crossroads, and you have to decide if you want to keep pursuing surgery or change fields to something that is more accommodating of family life. I had kids during training and found it difficult; I can't imagine parenting alone (with health concerns) while training in surgery, all while struggling academically.

It must seem like they are out to get you. But if you leave surgery, rebuild your family and find some personal happiness, you may look back and realize that they are doing you a huge favor. @nvrsumr may be been blunt, but his advice was good. I would give the same advice to any male in a similar predicament.

Best of luck.

 

[rokshana]

@rokshana It's OK to judge someone if they aren't taking care of their kids.

She may very well be taking care of her kids...by realizing that they are better off with someone else and making the decision to give them to someone better able to care for them...the selfish thing would be to think you can do both and not succeed at either...better say, her parents take of her kids while she finishes her residency then she can be on a better position to care for them on the long run...

And where is the father on this? This wasn’t an immaculate conception...why is she dealing with this alone? Why can’t HE take care of his children?

 

[Dave1980]

Something isn't adding up. A year ago the OP:

I am a PGY-2, Rads-1, currently at a program that's closing in Pennsylvania. Im looking for a position in Houston, Tx or within the region. Im willing to switch specialties. I have family in Houston and need to be closer to home because of family reasons ( I have a sick baby).

Maybe we aren't getting the full story? She had a brief stint in Radiology?

 

[rokshana]

Something isn't adding up. A year ago the OP:



Maybe we aren't getting the full story? She had a brief stint in Radiology?

Interesting...but not unusual that the more is posted the more the story doesn’t match the original post.

 

[Apollyon]

Something isn't adding up. A year ago the OP:
Maybe we aren't getting the full story? She had a brief stint in Radiology?

I'm shocked, I tell you, SHOCKED!!

Well, not that shocked that there is MUCH more to the story.

 

[captaincrunch]

Maybe she was in radiology program for a year and then transferred to a surgical program. But two programs in a row that are closing? That's crazy.

 

[divajai]

I may have worded this incorrectly but I was in surgery for a year and now Im in Radiology. My current program is Radiology residency that is closing. I gave up my kids to my parents because I tried and failed to take care of them on my own. I have no spouse, I am a single parent. Thank you for your comments but I decided to try and focus on fixing my issues where I can plus just keep moving forward.