Resident Remediation and Due Process

Abstract

Remediation and due process are tools for the Program Director (PD) to apply to problems of unprofessional behavior and/or poor academic performance. Although the concept of due process for orthopaedic surgeons conjures up visions of courtrooms and legal arguments, the term “due process” for the purposes of this chapter is a nonlegal definition in an academic setting. This chapter discusses concepts of remediation and due process in the academic environment, reviews their application to orthopaedic surgery residency training programs, and presents a working framework for applying these concepts to unprofessional behavior and/or poor academic performance by orthopaedic residents in training. In orthopaedics, PDs use the concept of due process when they are concerned that the resident’s unprofessional behavior or academic performance is serious and could result in termination. The PD should consult legal counsel and institutional graduate medical education leadership with situations requiring due process. Remediation and due process are essential elements of the toolbox of PDs in orthopaedic surgery.