Question for a program director

[Psychotic]

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[FrasierMD]

This is grossly unprofessional and should be reported to ACGME.

 

[Nasrudin]

I received an inadvertent email from a program coordinator who evidently circulated my ERAS photo with a derisive comment attached - the idiot included my address in the mailing.

Needless to say I am hurt by this, but more importantly, I am disgusted that someone would do something unethical like this with information from an application.

Is this a common thing for people in residency programs to make fun of applicants? Surely not, but it has happened to me, and I am quite deflated by it and am now considering just canceling my interview at the program.

Advice, please.

So sorry this has happened to you. That's horrible.

 

[rkaz]

Definitely unprofessional on their part. 🙁

 

[AKAdemic]

I received an inadvertent email from a program coordinator who evidently circulated my ERAS photo with a derisive comment attached - the idiot included my address in the mailing.

Needless to say I am hurt by this, but more importantly, I am disgusted that someone would do something unethical like this with information from an application.

Is this a common thing for people in residency programs to make fun of applicants? Surely not, but it has happened to me, and I am quite deflated by it and am now considering just canceling my interview at the program.

Advice, please.

WOW!!! You should tell us where that is so that we can all avoid that sort of training environment. Ewwwww 🙁 Sorry that happened to you!

 

[3882370]

This is very concerning. I would forward the email to the program director so the inappropriate behavior of the coordinator will be addressed. (Fired?) I am sorry this happened to you and I am sure the PD would be horrified.

 

[drno31]

This is very concerning. I would forward the email to the program director so the inappropriate behavior of the coordinator will be addressed. (Fired?) I am sorry this happened to you and I am sure the PD would be horrified.

Unless the PD was one of the intended recipients of the message. Either way I think the consensus is that it is horribly unprofessional and should be reported to the ACGME. Sorry that this happened to you, but know that it speaks more about the inadequacy of the sender than about you.

 

[MonsterHospital]

That's disgusting; I can't believe anyone would be that unprofessional. I would love to know what program that is, as well.

I would forward the email to the program director (assuming he/she hadn't already received it) to make them aware of it, and report it to the ACGME if the PD doesn't address this adequately and immediately.

Now, one person certainly does not speak to the professionalism of the entire program, and if it's a place you were really excited about before this happened, I would still attend the interview if you don't feel too awkward about it...I'd go if this person only sent your photo to a couple of people and none of them were residents or attendings that you'd be working with.

Sorry this happened to you 🙁

 

[Psychotic]

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[Elisabeth Kate]

Do you really think you'll put a mark on your back from other programs by forwarding unprofessional behavior from PC at this program?

 

[Psychotic]

Do you really think you'll put a mark on your back from other programs by forwarding unprofessional behavior from PC at this program?

More broadly speaking, I don't see how complaining about this benefits me at all, and if there is any chance it could hurt me, I am not willing to take that chance.

I don't have the time or emotional reserve to get caught up in this - like many of you, I am sure, I am running on fumes these days. This residency app process is stressful enough without getting involved in something like this.

 

[TheRiddler]

I think you're doing the right thing. Cancel your interview and be done with it. You're too busy for this right now.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I appreciate the responses, and you are giving the advice I believe I would have given.

However, the last thing I want to do is put a bullseye on my own back. I don't want my complaint to boomerang and come back to me - I don't want to known as "that guy or gal who turned so and so in" - so I have more or less decided that I am going to let this thing go.

I am also going to drop the interview. No way in hell I am spending my time and money attending an interview at this institution if this is the kind of BS going on there. I would never rank this place now, so why attend an interview?

Finally, my post triggered a lot of understandable curiosity, but I have also decided I am not going to reveal the name of this program, at least not to anybody on SDN. As I explained to someone, this is the kind of tale that could become legendary in bad way for me, and I don't want my name associated with this garbage, even though I think the person who sent it should, in a perfect world, be dressed down if not fired.

If there is a PD here who would like to weigh in, or counsel me in a PM, I am all ears. I am curious if they would want to know that someone in their office had done this, and what they think the negative consequences of this could be for the victim, namely me? The problem is that the person who sent the email knows they screwed up because about a 5 minutes later that sent an official looking email asking me to destroy the prior email without looking at it because it was for someone else. Unfortunately for them I had already seen the offending email, so the cat was out of the bag. Otherwise if I had seen the second email first, I would have discarded the email without looking at it.

Why is this important? Because I can't complain anonymously - this person, if they get in trouble, knows that it was me who turned them in. I could end up losing a lot more than a little dignity in this - I could be marked as "that guy/gal" and I am just trying to put my head down, land a residency, and run that gauntlet for the next 4 years without worrying who has marked me for reprisal.

Thanks to all for the kind words.

OK--you've got a PC who screwed up unprofessionally, reflected badly on their program, cost the program a (hopefully) good candidate, and could spread ugly rumors about that program to other applicants. They KNOW they screwed up, and they know that YOU know...and YOU'RE worried about being targeted?? This is blaming the victim--and it's just <bleeping> wrong. All the time.

If it were my PC, I would want to know. And I would want to know that they had formally apologized to the offended party (you), and had also expressed their regret to any other recipients of the message. And this would be placed in their personnel file in case any future such incidents came to light. [And I might suggest that they personally reimburse you for your interview expenses at our program, if that's legal. (I'm new to this game, and wouldn't want to run afoul of the NRMP...)]

And there should be no negative consequences to you at other programs for blowing the whistle on one unprofessional individual at one program. (Just as a rule of thumb for all of you--we just don't have time to ring up our fellow PDs and compare notes on this or that candidate. Please don't be paranoid. And anyway, we don't formally meet until March, after lists are certified and before the Match...and we don't spend our time at AADPRT talking about you all then either.)

That's this PD's take on it, anyway.

 

[WolverineDoc13]

And anyway, we don't formally meet until March, after lists are certified and before the Match...and we don't spend our time at AADPRT talking about you all then either.)

That's this PD's take on it, anyway.

Very curious to know what all you PDs do at the AADPRT! Another PD I met mentioned the annual meeting as a place where "we all let our hair down and talk." For some twisted reason, I imagine everyone wears hoods around a Hogwarts-style table in a candle-lit dungeon somewhere.

 

[J ROD]

I would get a residency then turn him in. Just to be safe.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Very curious to know what all you PDs do at the AADPRT! Another PD I met mentioned the annual meeting as a place where "we all let our hair down and talk." For some twisted reason, I imagine everyone wears hoods around a Hogwarts-style table in a candle-lit dungeon somewhere.

Careful what you say, or you may wake up some morning tied to a goal post in an empty stadium in Columbus...

 

[WolverineDoc13]

Careful what you say, or you may wake up some morning tied to a goal post in an empty stadium in Columbus...

Haha, as long as there aren't any decapitated horse heads (named Bo) nearby. 😉

 

[gibits]

I don't know why you would feel that you would be "marked". You are the victim here. You should go to your interview and address this directly with the program director. You don't have to make a big fuss about it but you should report this to someone and follow the chain of command before you report it to the ACGME.

Please don't be passive about this. You have other peoples's sympathy here, don't let people think they can publicly humiliate (and violate the privacy of) applicants. Just because they run a program does not give them the right to do what they did.

Honestly, if I was the PD, I would think you were just door mat to be stomped on if you didn't confront me. You don't have to make a fuss, or go into a righteous rage. Just let them know that you found such a behavior unbecoming and you will be taking action.

 

[gibits]

More broadly speaking, I don't see how complaining about this benefits me at all, and if there is any chance it could hurt me, I am not willing to take that chance.

I don't have the time or emotional reserve to get caught up in this - like many of you, I am sure, I am running on fumes these days. This residency app process is stressful enough without getting involved in something like this.

Did you ever think of how it would benefit other applicants? Maybe your plight will let other applicants not have to go through what you went through. Being the good guy isn't easy but that what makes you the better person.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Highly unprofessional.

I would 100% inform the PD.

If it is a prestigious place or a location high on your list, I would still consider interviewing there. Everyone else you work with could be great people there.

Depending on who else received the email and whether you believe this email affects your residency match performance, consider speaking with an attorney.

 

[Still Kickin]

I hope you have kept the original e-mail?

I also do not see how this could "mark" you with regards to OTHER programs. (Maybe if you were on here ranting "Program X is full of a bunch of jerks, Mr./Ms. Coordinator there is the worst, etc. etc., but you've been polite and discreet.)

It would be very understandable that you would not want to interview there. If you are 100% for sure that there is NO WAY you would interview there or want to match there, why not forward the e-mail along yourself as a "reply" to "Dear Dr. ProgramDirector and Mr./Mrs. Coordinator: Thank you so very much for the invitation to interview at Program X, which is currently scheduled for mm/dd/yyyy. I certainly appreciate consideration by such a prestigious program as yours. However, after careful consideration of additional information (see below) I have decided to decline your offer of an interview. Again, thanks for the opportunity. Regards, Applicant Y." (There. You informed the PD without actually "complaining." And NO WAY is this going to affect you at other programs.)

Alternately, as Texas Physician has suggested, if this is a desirable program, maybe you WOULD still like to interview there. (And depending upon the department's reaction to this whole situation, that might affect how you'd view them, too. ie, if they take the matter seriously & try to make things right, that would speak well of them.) In this case, you could forward the e-mail on to the program director and say something like "Dear Dr. ProgramDirector, I was very pleased to receive the invitation to interview at your (insert positive superlative here) program and have been looking forward to my interview on mm/dd/yyyy. I must confess that upon receiving the below e-mail from Mr./Ms.Coordinator, I was very hurt and bewildered. I am now considering cancelling my interview, as I suspect it would be very hard for me to ever feel comfortable working within your program. I was hoping you might be able to advise me on this matter. Do you anticipate Mr./Ms. Coordinator will be someone that I will have to work with closely next year, were I to match at your program? I look forward to your advice/reply. Regards, Applicant Y."

Did you also keep the "please delete previous e-mail" message? (I hope so.) Just curious if it looks like it was sent only to you, or also to all of the recipients of the original. Yet another approach would be to reply to THAT e-mail and cc Program Director. Paste a copy of the original e-mail below the "delete previous e-mail" portion. You could say something like "Dear Mr./Mrs. Program Coordinator, I did receive this e-mail, but unfortunately I had already opened the other e-mail (which is pasted below, for your reference). I must admit I had been very hurt and bewildered upon receiving that original e-mail. Please advise me of how we should proceed. Regards, Applicant Y."

ALSO - should you send any of the above e-mails, I'd mark them "urgent" and add the Program Directors name into the subject line somewhere, to ensure they get opened/read by the PD.

Good luck!

 

[whopper]

E-mails can be captured while in transit by hackers. That is a reason why medical records are not supposed to be e-mailed.

So to give out another person's private information, photo and address, significantly increases one's ability to be the victim of identity fraud.

Aside from complaining to ACGME, it'd be reasonable to now have to get an ID fraud protection service and IMHO that PD or his/her program ought to pay for it given what you alleged happened. Though the only way they're likely going to do this is if you sue unless they volunteer to do so. If you're like most people it's not worth the effort to do that.

If the program or ACGME ever did apoligize to you, you might want to include that to foment the sincerity of their apology, they reimburse you for your ID protection service.

Oh, and while we're on it, I graduated from the Robert Wood Johnson residency program. There's 3 of them, and I was in the one in South NJ. Someone from the GME stole the SS#s of all of the residents and recent graduates. I got no problems mentioning this because it's 100% true and I graduated so I'm not in the fear of them in the way that medstudents and residents are of their programs.

The program never informed me of what happened. I learned through residents in the program. The GME did offer a free one year ID service protection to protect against the fall-out though 1) they gave me the wrong contact info on how to get it so I spent about 12 hours trying to get it 2) Like I said, they never told me, I learned second hand, 3) the way to get it paid for provided by the university was wrongly detailed, so once I joined the service they recommended, the service told me I had to pay for it. I contacted the university to get it fixed, but the way the ID service worked, once you made an account you couldn't change it because it was locked to your SS# and you couldn't make a second account, so now I had to pay for it or not get it through them at all.

When I contacted the university about this ,they offered no help. This wasn't a one time contact. This was me contacting them everyday for about three weeks just getting shuttled to another person over and over. Doing prior authorizations were easier than this.

I just ended up getting Lifelock (that was not the one the university would pay for) on my own out of my own pocket.

Hey, I could've sued them, but it's not worth it to do so across state lines for something that was only about $100 and would've taken up another 20 hours of my time.

BUT I NOW WILL NOT DONATE ANY MONEY TO THAT INSTITUTION EVER. I turned down all grand rounds invitations. Maybe I'll do something with them in the future, but my desire to give back to my alma mater was pretty much killed with that incident.

 

[Psychotic]

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[notdeadyet]

E-mails can be captured while in transit by hackers. That is a reason why medical records are not supposed to be e-mailed.

So to give out another person's private information, photo and address, significantly increases one's ability to be the victim of identity fraud.

Meh, I think this is overreacting a bit.

The last stat was that you are about 12x more likely to be a victim of identity theft via hard copy security breach than electronic. And even of electronic breach, the vast majority comes from data breaches (databases and the like) rather than intercepted electronic correspondence. I'd be curious exactly how small the number of ID thefts occur from intercepted email correspondence.

And while I sympathize with the OP and think that the advice being given to notify the PD is sound, I think it's worth keeping things in perspective:

The Program Coordinator likely violated rules of ethics and taste, depending on the nature of the "derisive comments." If they fall under protected categories (comments on the OPs race, etc.), this is more serious than if she said, "look at that jewelry!" or somesuch. The PC likely violated departmental rules, depending on the program, by commenting on the OP at all, outside of the established evaluation process.

But no laws have likely been intentionally broken. Patient confidentiality rules don't apply here (and in many to most jurisdictions, you can send patient-related information within a health care system via internal email). And if the OP was not identified by name, DOB, or other openly uniquely identifying information in the forwarded email, the risk of identity theft approaches zero.

I agree that the PD should be notified, as the OP was treated unprofessionally. The PD would want to know and take disciplinary action against his or her employee. Making snide comments about a person's picture, though distasteful, isn't something that I'd get paranoid about from an identify theft standpoint. An ID fraud protection service is a good idea for anyone in general, but I wouldn't bump it up too many notches because an email was sent around with my photo in it. Your average individual is WAY more exposed via the Facebook than anything that seemed to happen here. An individual making comments about my photo on an internal hospital email chain rates an indignant on the professional scale but only a meh on the ID theft one.

 

[whopper]

Meh, I think this is overreacting a bit.

Most hackers don't care to read e-mails because most of them are useless to them.

But an e-mail with a person's photo and address? No.

I wouldn't bet money ID fraud would result from what happened above, but if someone became a victim of ID fraud as a result of what happened, I wouldn't be surprised either.

And if one is the victim of ID fraud, it could permanently ruin your credit.

Odds are nothing will happen, but given that the fallout could be seriously disastrous, what the PD allegedly did IMHO should be taken seriously.

 

[notdeadyet]

But an e-mail with a person's photo and address? No.

True. This is why it's more serious if this had uniquely identifying information. It depends on the context of the email. A photo and a name is available for almost anyone. It's only sensitive if it includes DOB, SSN, etc. Unclear from the OPs post if that was the case here. If it wasn't? Then the OP is no more prone to ID theft than she was before. That is what rates the meh.

And if one is the victim of ID fraud, it could permanently ruin your credit.

Too true. When I worked in tech, I attended about 4 or 5 lectures/trainings/inservice about ID theft. On 3 or 4 of them, when folks asked what single thing could they do that would most protect them, they gave the same answer every time: secure your mail. Meaning, make sure you get your mail before someone else does and shred junk mail, as it often contains information that can support identity theft. A couple of the security guys expressed bemusement that folks didn't do this but were paranoid about email interception.

Odds are nothing will happen, but given that the fallout could be seriously disastrous, what the PD allegedly did IMHO should be taken seriously.

We should point out that it was the PC at fault in this one, not the PD.

In the interest of disclosure, I should also mention that I'm a military reservist and as such, we are prone to developing either a rampant paranoia or relaxed attitude towards identity theft. Our dog tags (made to breakaway in case of entrapment and therefore occasionally being ripped off accidentally) have our SSN on them. Since I joined, I've had 3 emails that my personal information may have been compromised (each time due to stolen government laptops). When you live near the firehouse, the sound of alarms doesn't get the heart beating too fast, you know?

 

[SuperSoccer19]

Psychotic: just playing devils advocate here (if that's the right term), but is it possible that there was something lost in translation? or completely not the intent to be derogatory? It just seems that a program that would mock your application wouldn't invite you for an interview?

 

[Psychotic]

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[notdeadyet]

It just seems that a program that would mock your application wouldn't invite you for an interview?

A program didn't mock her, a program coordinator did. Coordinators work hard and have a lot to do with the interview experience, but I'd be surprised if they had a direct voice in applicant or interviewee selection anywhere...

 

[Nasrudin]

Psychotic: just playing devils advocate here (if that's the right term), but is it possible that there was something lost in translation? or completely not the intent to be derogatory? It just seems that a program that would mock your application wouldn't invite you for an interview?

As Satan's co-counsel I maintain our defendant should just take the plea bargain. Advocacy is irrelevant. Unprofessional slander in best of terms is not something that can be defended. This is a situation of damage control, perfuse apologies, and hoping the plaintiff doesn't go public or seek damages.

For satan's sake, he should ignore your advocacy.

 

[shan564]

During last year's interview season, I inadvertently received an email from a PC that was intended for faculty members, and it included usernames and passwords that faculty members could use to access our applications online. She subsequently sent the same sort of "retrieval" email. I think some people think that they can actually cancel the sent message with these "retrieval" things. I wonder if it was the same person who sent your message...

 

[TheMan21]

During last year's interview season, I inadvertently received an email from a PC that was intended for faculty members, and it included usernames and passwords that faculty members could use to access our applications online. She subsequently sent the same sort of "retrieval" email. I think some people think that they can actually cancel the sent message with these "retrieval" things. I wonder if it was the same person who sent your message...

oh man, i'd be super bummed if the wayward PC from psychotic's story worked at washu

 

[shan564]

oh man, i'd be super bummed if the wayward PC from psychotic's story worked at washu

No, our PC definitely wouldn't do that. She's awesome. And just to be clear - I'm talking about a PC from another program who sent me that information when I was an applicant. That particular PC also sent me several other incorrect emails over the course of the interview season, and sent several retrieval emails. I was just pointing out the worst one, since she was giving me a password that would have allowed me to access private information about other applicants...

 

[Anastomoses]

I would get a residency then turn him in. Just to be safe.

I was thinking this exactly. Of course, by the time that happens OP may have "cooled off".

I don't know why you would feel that you would be "marked". You don't have to make a big fuss about it but you should report this to someone and follow the chain of command before you report it to the ACGME.

Please don't be passive about this. You have other peoples's sympathy here, don't let people think they can publicly humiliate (and violate the privacy of) applicants. Just because they run a program does not give them the right to do what they did.

And this. Not to attack you but I think it's practically irresponsible for you not to notify the PD at the very least. Do you suppose this individual doesn't do this sort of thing on a regular basis? There are slugs about and the only way such people are checked is by those who do and say something.

 

[Psychotic]

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[gibits]

I was never suggesting you report this PC for your benefit, but rather your peers. No it's not your JOB to report wrongdoing or unprofessional behavior right now. But it would be nice to know that you have the mettle to do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing. Because when you do become a real doctor, it is your responsibility to report fraud, chemical dependency of your peers, etc.
Honestly, your passiveness really doesn't reflect well. Your actions (not reporting) say to me you're a person that is only worried about you own well being. It's even more baffling that you don't even want to go to the program. What would you really have to lose in reporting this person who has probaly been doing this to other people? Is "I'll let someone else deal with it" the kind of attitude I want in a resident? No. It's not.

 

[FrasierMD]

Can we please stop bashing the OP and maintain a sense of civility on this board? the OP asked for advice from a PD about what his options are regarding this. No room for stuff like this. Stressful time for all applicants and lets only offer words of support. OP can decide to handle this how he or she very well pleases.

I was never suggesting you report this PC for your benefit, but rather your peers. No it's not your JOB to report wrongdoing or unprofessional behavior right now. But it would be nice to know that you have the mettle to do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing. Because when you do become a real doctor, it is your responsibility to report fraud, chemical dependency of your peers, etc.
Honestly, your passiveness really doesn't reflect well. Your actions (not reporting) say to me you're a person that is only worried about you own well being. It's even more baffling that you don't even want to go to the program. What would you really have to lose in reporting this person who has probaly been doing this to other people? Is "I'll let someone else deal with it" the kind of attitude I want in a resident? No. It's not.

 

[Psychotic]

I was never suggesting you report this PC for your benefit, but rather your peers. No it's not your JOB to report wrongdoing or unprofessional behavior right now. But it would be nice to know that you have the mettle to do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing. Because when you do become a real doctor, it is your responsibility to report fraud, chemical dependency of your peers, etc.
Honestly, your passiveness really doesn't reflect well. Your actions (not reporting) say to me you're a person that is only worried about you own well being. It's even more baffling that you don't even want to go to the program. What would you really have to lose in reporting this person who has probaly been doing this to other people? Is "I'll let someone else deal with it" the kind of attitude I want in a resident? No. It's not.

All I have said is that I am not going to do anything about it NOW. I explained my thoughts pretty clearly about this, not sure what you are missing.

What baffles you about me now not wanting to bother with this program? I have 16 interview offers - I don't "need" any one interview. In fact, I need to cut down on interviews. As I explained before, this program was never very high on my list, and this has given me all the reason I need to drop it off the list completely.

For all I know at this point the behavior of the PC is common at this program. I don't want to be second guessing who at the program received the email, who was in on the joke, etc.

Finally, let's talk about what else I have not done - I have not smeared this program on SDN, or anywhere for that matter. I haven't shared this incident with anybody, only anonymously here. It would be easy to blast them, and it might have even felt good, but I did not and would not stoop to that. Maybe that doesn't show my "mettle" but it may show that I have some class and dignity.

 

[gibits]

All I have said is that I am not going to do anything about it NOW. I explained my thoughts pretty clearly about this, not sure what you are missing.

don't wait too long. People are interviewing right now and informing on them would benefit others more rather than later.

What baffles you about me now not wanting to bother with this program? I have 16 interview offers - I don't "need" any one interview. In fact, I need to cut down on interviews. As I explained before, this program was never very high on my list, and this has given me all the reason I need to drop it off the list completely.

Again, reporting this is not for your benefit. But for the benefit of other applicants. Not everyone maybe as qualified as you. Does everyone have to go through what you went through? Do you care that the PC could be doing this to other people?

For all I know at this point the behavior of the PC is common at this program. I don't want to be second guessing who at the program received the email, who was in on the joke, etc.

. Giving out your personal contact info isn't a very funny joke. But if you don't take it seriously then why should they?

Finally, let's talk about what else I have not done - I have not smeared this program on SDN, or anywhere for that matter. I haven't shared this incident with anybody, only anonymously here. It would be easy to blast them, and it might have even felt good, but I did not and would not stoop to that. Maybe that doesn't show my "mettle" but it may show that I have some class and dignity.

I'm not asking to "blast" them. I'm asking you to simply report them to decrease the likelihood of it happening again. Your blasé attitude of "it's not my problem" is concerning because you completely don't consider how other applicants maybe effected. Everything you say "well I have much better options" or "I just don't see how it benefits ME". Did you consider that everyone that applied would run the risk of having their personal info exposed? Sometimes it isn't just about you but your professional community as a whole.

 

[digitlnoize]

All I have said is that I am not going to do anything about it NOW. I explained my thoughts pretty clearly about this, not sure what you are missing.

What baffles you about me now not wanting to bother with this program? I have 16 interview offers - I don't "need" any one interview. In fact, I need to cut down on interviews. As I explained before, this program was never very high on my list, and this has given me all the reason I need to drop it off the list completely.

For all I know at this point the behavior of the PC is common at this program. I don't want to be second guessing who at the program received the email, who was in on the joke, etc.

Finally, let's talk about what else I have not done - I have not smeared this program on SDN, or anywhere for that matter. I haven't shared this incident with anybody, only anonymously here. It would be easy to blast them, and it might have even felt good, but I did not and would not stoop to that. Maybe that doesn't show my "mettle" but it may show that I have some class and dignity.

Here's my opinion:

1. You should report this, but if you're worried about retaliation, wait until after you've matched, THEN report it. Either way, it should be reported.

2. You should post the pic here. That way we can see what was so funny. 😉

 

[Psychotic]

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[Elisabeth Kate]

don't wait too long. People are interviewing right now and informing on them would benefit others more rather than later

For what it's worth, there's a post by the OP in the interview thread that implies the name of the program. It's a stressful time for all of us. Let's try to be a little understanding.

 

[gibits]

For what it's worth, there's a post by the OP in the interview thread that implies the name of the program. It's a stressful time for all of us. Let's try to be a little understanding.

Where is the understanding offered to the other applicants that apply to this program? I was never curious about the name of the program, but if the PD/ACGME would be informed. Putting the name up here would be useless to perpective applicants.
Yes, it's a stressful time, and the OP is not using her chance to make it less stressful for others. She is only concerned for herself.

 

[gibits]

And I may be rationalizing, but I think I would have a better chance of getting the attention of the PD after the interview season and match than right now. An email could go unnoticed these days (and it feels like a few I have sent to programs have gone

Better late than never I guess. At least next year's batch can be spared.

 

[AthensBeth]

I understand not wanting to expose the program. I'm not sure what I'd do in your situation. I doesn't seem severe enough to get anyone fired over, but a good program director would probably give the PC a reprimand and a note in a file somewhere about it.

I'm really surprised everyone has all these judgements of the OP and what she should do, and no one has been curious enough to ask what the heck the caption said.

 

[Fenster]

^ Because it doesn't matter what the caption said! A derisive comment is a derisive comment here.

 

[AthensBeth]

Yeah, yeah. But I get curious.

 

[vistaril]

I received an inadvertent email from a program coordinator who evidently circulated my ERAS photo with a derisive comment attached - the idiot included my address in the mailing.

Needless to say I am hurt by this, but more importantly, I am disgusted that someone would do something unethical like this with information from an application.

Is this a common thing for people in residency programs to make fun of applicants? Surely not, but it has happened to me, and I am quite deflated by it and am now considering just canceling my interview at the program.

Advice, please.

Part of going through life is being able to roll with the punches. Insensitive comments, innapropriate comments, disrespectful comments, unprofessional comments.....they are all going to happen at some point. If you don't want to work with such people in the future, well that's your choice.

 

[Shikima]

Careful what you say, or you may wake up some morning tied to a goal post in an empty stadium in Columbus...

"Don't forget the cannoli's!"

 

[psychattending]

I appreciate the responses, and you are giving the advice I believe I would have given.

However, the last thing I want to do is put a bullseye on my own back. I don't want my complaint to boomerang and come back to me - I don't want to known as "that guy or gal who turned so and so in" - so I have more or less decided that I am going to let this thing go.

I am also going to drop the interview. No way in hell I am spending my time and money attending an interview at this institution if this is the kind of BS going on there. I would never rank this place now, so why attend an interview?

Finally, my post triggered a lot of understandable curiosity, but I have also decided I am not going to reveal the name of this program, at least not to anybody on SDN. As I explained to someone, this is the kind of tale that could become legendary in bad way for me, and I don't want my name associated with this garbage, even though I think the person who sent it should, in a perfect world, be dressed down if not fired.

If there is a PD here who would like to weigh in, or counsel me in a PM, I am all ears. I am curious if they would want to know that someone in their office had done this, and what they think the negative consequences of this could be for the victim, namely me? The problem is that the person who sent the email knows they screwed up because about a 5 minutes later that sent an official looking email asking me to destroy the prior email without looking at it because it was for someone else. Unfortunately for them I had already seen the offending email, so the cat was out of the bag. Otherwise if I had seen the second email first, I would have discarded the email without looking at it.

Why is this important? Because I can't complain anonymously - this person, if they get in trouble, knows that it was me who turned them in. I could end up losing a lot more than a little dignity in this - I could be marked as "that guy/gal" and I am just trying to put my head down, land a residency, and run that gauntlet for the next 4 years without worrying who has marked me for reprisal.

Thanks to all for the kind words.

On the delayed side in responding. As a PD I would want to know if my PC did such a thing so that I could rectify the situation. I am sure that every PD I know would feel the same way. As long as you write an appropriately worded email there would be no negative effect from your email. If anything, it would show you in a good light.

I am not sure that contacting ACGME would serve any purpose.

Feel free to PM if you want more advice.