New insurance policies accommodate cheap leaves of absence from radiology residency coaching packages

In a highly anticipated action on June 30, 2021, the certification body for radiology, the American Board of Radiology (ABR), announced new guidelines on how much free time for doctors in training during a radiology residency program without a requirement to study extend to gain admission to the certification exam

From the academic year 2021-2022, a resident will be entitled to an initial certification without an extension of the training in accordance with the ABR guidelines if the approved vacation during the duration of the resident’s training does not exceed an average of eight weeks (40 working days) per academic year.

ABR stated that it is not intended to define the typical vacation a resident should expect from a radiology residency program. The Board provided examples of activities exempted under its new policy, including vacation, funeral leave, interview days, parental leave, caregiver leave, sick leave, and other vacations approved by the residency program director. The directive also described activities that are considered part of a resident’s education rather than vacation, such as: B. Research activities, participation in scientific / educational programs, remote work and regular days off.

In a post on the ABR website, ABR Board of Governors Cheri L. Canon, MD clarified that the new policy should not be tied to elements of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While FMLA is an important element of individual rights in the workplace, it does not address the training requirements for certification as a board member. ABR considers its new policy to be in line with the protective measures of the FMLA.

Last year, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), of which the constituent certification body is ABR, stipulated that each member body clearly defines how much free time is allowed during a stay in their respective field without the need for an extension of the training.

Eligibility for the initial certification requires that the program director (PD) confirms the successful completion of the stay and the competence. Regardless of the time-out, the PD should extend the duration of the training if a resident has not achieved the competence.

www.theabr.org / …