Applies to: Residents in the WSU Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman
Date: November 17, 2025
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the WSU College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman policy to outline the process and considerations for accommodating residents who decline to participate in training activities that conflict with their personal beliefs or values. The goal is to ensure a respectful and inclusive learning environment while maintaining the integrity of the residency 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
The WSU Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman believes that all people have equal voice in their belief, both those who give and receive medical care. We understand there is a wide variety of medico-ethical views. We believe it to be wrong to expect a clinician to practice medicine that would be against his/her medico-ethical beliefs. We also believe the decision to accept or refuse various forms of treatment should be patient-centered in conjunction with the comprehensive counseling by the patient’s clinician.
Family medicine clinicians are perfectly placed to provide counsel in these situations and allow patients to make the most educated and ethical decision for themselves. We understand that truly unbiased counsel regarding the medical and ethical risks and benefits of certain areas of care is difficult to achieve. It is the responsibility of this residency program to provide residents with comprehensive education in all areas of care so that they can provide the balance and comprehensive counselling needed. Because of this, it is expected that residents will be trained in all areas of applicable care.
Policy Guidelines
Notification
Residents must inform the program director or designated supervisor in writing of their objection to specific training activities due to their beliefs. It is essential to provide this notification as early as possible to allow for appropriate planning.
Confidentiality and Non-Discrimination
All communications related to the resident’s objection and subsequent accommodation requests will be treated confidentially.
Residents will not be subjected to discrimination or adverse consequences based on their objection. Their academic standing and evaluation should be based solely on their performance within the accommodated training framework.
Discussion and Clarification
The program director or designated supervisor will arrange a meeting with the resident to discuss the specific training activities that conflict with their beliefs. The purpose of this meeting is to gain a better understanding of the residents’ concerns and explore potential alternatives or accommodation.
Reasonable Accommodations
Upon review and discussion, the program director, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will determine if reasonable accommodation can be made that respects the resident’s beliefs while fulfilling the core educational requirements of the program.
Reasonable accommodations may include alternative assignments, substitution of activities, modified scheduling, or mentorship arrangements.
The determination of reasonable accommodations will consider the program’s ability to provide an equivalent learning experience, maintaining patient safety, and adhering to ethical and professional standards.
Documentation
Any approved accommodation will be documented in the resident’s file, specifying the alternative arrangements agreed upon.
This documentation will be kept confidential and will only be shared with individuals involved in the resident’s education, as necessary.
Educational Impact
While reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the residents’ beliefs, it is acknowledged that there may be limitations to the alternatives available, and the resident’s training experience may be affected.
The program will work with the resident to ensure that the necessary core competencies and learning objectives are met to the extent possible within the accommodated framework.
Appeals Process
In the event that a resident disagrees with the accommodation decision, the resident may submit a written appeal to the program director, providing additional information or justifications for reconsideration.
The program director, in consultation with appropriate faculty or advisory committees, will review the appeal and respond with a final decision.
Ongoing Communication and Review
The program director and residents will maintain open lines of communication to address any concerns or modifications necessary throughout the training period.
This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
This policy is designed to balance the residents’ freedom to practice in accordance with their beliefs while ensuring they receive appropriate and comprehensive training within the scope of the Family Medicine residency program.
5.0 Revision History
GMEC Approval: November 18, 2025
Revision/Review Date(s):
Responsible Office: Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman
Policy Contact: Program Director, Program Administrator, GME Office
Supersedes: N/A