Applies to: Residents in the Family Medicine – Pullman program.
Date: July 15, 2025
1.0 Policy Statement
This policy outlines the guidelines for time away from the WSU Family Medicine Residency (FMR) program for residents to participate in professional development and continuing education, time to take USMLE STEP 3, COMLEX 3, and elective away rotations. All time away must receive prior approval from the Program Director.
This policy aims to balance the educational needs and professional development opportunities for residents while maintaining the integrity and responsibilities of the training program.
2.0 Definitions
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Accredits Sponsoring Institutions and residency and fellowship programs, confers recognition on additional program formats or components, and dedicates resources to initiatives addressing areas of importance in graduate medical education.
3.0 Responsibilities
Program Director
4.0 Procedures
STEP 3 / COMLEX 3 Exams
- PGY1
- Time is allotted for time away from the residency to take the STEP3/COMLEX 3 exam.
- One day of travel prior to one exam is allowed without taking PTO
- The intent is that residents will take the exam around a weekend
- Additional time off is not allotted for retaking these exams. PTO would need to be utilized.
Away Electives
- PGY3
- Residents are allowed up to four (4) weeks total for away electives during their residency. Preference will be given for away electives in the third year but may be permitted in PGY2 with prior approval.
- The application for away rotations must be completed in full before the rotation will be considered by the program.
- Away electives must align with the resident’s educational and career goals and require prior approval from the Program Director.
- PGY2
- Away electives may be permitted during PGY2 on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from the Program Director.
Professional Development Activities
- The following are examples of allowed professional development activities
- Conference attendance
- Interviewing for fellowships
- Interviewing for employment
- General Conference Attendance
- Residents are allowed up to five (5) total days away from the program for Professional Development activities (as indicated above) during their PGY2 and PGY3 years of training without using PTO days.
- Attendance at Professional Development. Activities must be directly relevant to the resident’s training and future practice goals.
- Approval from the Program Director is required prior to attending any Professional Development activity.
- Presenting at Conferences
- Residents who are presenting at an approved conference are allowed up to three (3) days away from the program for this purpose.
- Presentations include lectures, panel discussions and poster presentations.
- Additional days for preparation or travel may be considered on a case-by-case basis with Program Director approval.
- Additional days not approved will require PTO.
General Guidelines
- All time away requests must be submitted to the Program Director no less than 3 months prior to the activity to allow for appropriate scheduling and coverage of clinical duties.
- Approval is contingent on ensuring adequate coverage of clinical and academic responsibilities and compliance with ACGME duty hour requirements.
- Any additional time away beyond the allowances outlined above will require exceptional approval and may require make-up time to fulfill program requirements.
5.0 Related Policies
- Education Allowance Policy
- Vacation and Leave Policy
6.0 Revision History
GMEC Approval: July 15, 2025
Revision/Review Date(s):
Responsible Office: Family Medicine Residency Program – Pullman
Policy Contact: Program Director, Program Administrator, GME Office
Supersedes: N/A