Taking Classes During Residency

[fedor]

In general, what are the policies for residents taking classes and possibly completing degrees during residency?

It is common for tuition for such classes to be waived and that residents can enroll in whatever classes they like as long as it doesn't interfere with their work?

I wouldn't mind taking a class or two each semester and eventually completing an MPH during residency.

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[Mman]

I'm guessing it is either extremely hard to do, if not next to impossible. For one, when are you going to take these classes? Anything during the day is out. Has to be nights and weekends. And depending on what residency you are going into it isn't like you have all sorts of free time at night and on weekends.

As for tuition being waved, why would that be the case? I've never heard of employees getting to take classes for free at a university (aside from the fact that many residencies aren't affiliated with a university).

 

[xanthines]

I agree with you on the practicality/timing issues you raise.

Most universities allow for some type of free education. Some are easier to take advantage of, mind you (ie only employees with 1 or more years can take classes, etc etc). It' either through the home institution or reimbursement at other schools. Some places may also require that your classes be directly relevant to your work.

Basically, you need to call the HR dept to fund out the specifics of this issue. It varies, although the experience of calling HR seems to be pretty universal.

-X

I'm guessing it is either extremely hard to do, if not next to impossible. For one, when are you going to take these classes? Anything during the day is out. Has to be nights and weekends. And depending on what residency you are going into it isn't like you have all sorts of free time at night and on weekends.

As for tuition being waved, why would that be the case? I've never heard of employees getting to take classes for free at a university (aside from the fact that many residencies aren't affiliated with a university).

 

[APACHE3]

I heard of some MPH, MBA programs for docs, but that will come AFTER PGY-1, probably PGY-2, and may require you to do a PGY-4 to complete the requirements for both (residency and MPH). 😎

 

[ramonaquimby]

i know for a fact taht george washington university considers its residents as 'employees' and the residents can take all university classes for free (yes, incl MPH) and their spouses) can take all university classes for an EXTREMELY reduced fee (med school not included, but many take advantage and get a law degree, etc). it's a neat feature of the program. 👍

 

[mackie]

I've been thinking about working towards an MBA during residency. Now that I'm on an outpatient month, of course it seems like I have all the time in the world. It's hard to remember the survival mode I was in on the wards. Anyway, I guess depending on how much sleep a person needs and how passionate you are about getting the second degree, it's definitely possible. And if your institution pays for it . . . all the better. 🙂

 

[cytoborg]

Interesting thought, and if you can pull it off, more power to you. I bet the HR dept and/or GME office is the way to go. Even as a path resident, though, I don't feel like I have the time/energy to work on a degree. Evening classes are completely out because of the unpredictable schedule. I do take a "fun" class on the weekends but have already missed it several times for work/social reasons. But some people are really good at balancing numerous obligations and could probably make it work.