Applies to: Residents in the WSU Family Medicine Residency – Pullman program
Date: March 3, 2025
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the WSU College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Pullman policy to assure consistent standards and processes for residents taking program-required exams.
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
Requirement
- A Trainee must have taken USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 and received results prior to promotion to PGY2 year.
- Residents will schedule time off for these exams during the 1st month of residency.
- Residents are strongly encouraged to have taken their exam by the sixth month of their PGY1. If not able to meet this deadline, they will need approval of the Program Director before delaying exam completion.
Time off
- 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 on the weekend and
- Additional time off Time is not allotted for retaking these exams. PTO would need to be utilized.
Funding
- Reimbursement for STEP 3 or COMLEX Level 3 exams will be provided in PGY1 year. Submission for reimbursement must be made in a timely manner to the Program Administrator for processing.
- Programmatic funding for USMLE and COMLEX Level 3 is only available for the first attempt.
Promotion Criteria
To be considered for promotion from PGY2 to PGY3:
- Residents must demonstrate passage of USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 by April 1st or the 10th month of their PGY2.
- If a resident fails USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 twice, they will be placed on probation status. At that time, the resident will be required to meet with program leadership to discuss a Performance Improvement Plan and the timing of repeat examination.
- Failure of USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 after three attempts will result in termination from the program.
Non-Renewal
In situations where a Trainee is not making adequate progress towards advancement to the next level of training, the program may decide against renewal of the trainee’s agreement. In this situation, it is expected that the Trainee will receive at least 90 days advance written notice. If the reason for non-renewal occurs within the 90 days prior to the end of the current contract, it is expected that the program will provide the Trainee with as much written notice of its intent not to renew as the circumstances will reasonably allow. Prior to considering a non-renewal or termination, the Program Director must consult with the DIO.
5.0 Related Policies
- Academic Status and Assessment Policy
- Promotion and Renewal Policy
- Time Away Policy
6.0 Revision History
GMEC Approval: March 18, 2025
Revision/Review Date(s):
Responsible Office: WSU Family Medicine Residency – Pullman
Policy Contact: Program Director
Supersedes: N/A