Applies to: Residents in the WSU Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman
Date: June 9, 2025
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the WSU College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Pullman policy that Attendance at didactic sessions is a vital component of the Family Medicine Residency program at the WSU Family Medicine Residency Program–Pullman. These sessions are designed to enhance clinical knowledge, skills, and professional development and are a required component of ACGME residence learning. Consistent attendance is considered an essential aspect of professionalism and is critical to the success of our residents.
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
Attendance Expectation
Residents are required to maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% at all scheduled didactic sessions throughout the academic year. This ensures residents benefit fully from the educational opportunities provided and remain engaged in their professional growth.
Scheduled Didactic Sessions
- Wednesday Afternoon Didactics (Wednesday School): Comprehensive discussions, guest lectures, Quizzes, case studies, and interactive learning on core medical topics.
- Friday Noon Lectures: Specialized topics, medical updates, and guest speakers to broaden knowledge and clinical practice. Zoom options are available if our rotation is outside of Pullman.
- Casting Clinic and Fracture Clinic (Early Morning): Hands-on learning in orthopedic procedures, casting, and fracture management—essential skills in family medicine. These early-morning sessions are integral to the residency curriculum, and attendance is expected.
Attendance Monitoring
Formal monitoring will take place if noncompliance within the set standards is perceived by faculty. This will be accomplished through a required sign-in at the beginning of each session. The program reserves the right to start requiring sign-in at any time.
Weekly Quiz Set
The residents are responsible for completing the weekly quiz set that will be assigned. An effort will be made to ensure this does not become too burdensome for the residents with approximately 10-15 questions expected weekly. Quizzes will have a two-week deadline; thus, a resident will be able to complete them even if they have scheduled PTO week. The expectation of participation is at least 80% of quizzes completed. This will be monitored by one of the core faculty on a monthly basis and tracked to be presented to the CCC.
Excused Absences and Away Rotations
- Residents on away rotations will be excused from in-person didactic attendance.
- Efforts should be made to attend didactics remotely via Zoom or other virtual platforms if feasible during away rotations, to continue participation in educational activities.
Professionalism and Consequences
Attendance at didactic sessions is considered a fundamental aspect of professionalism within the residency program. Failure to meet the minimum attendance requirement (80%) may result in:
- Remediation: Development of a plan to address and improve attendance.
- Probation: Residents who fail to show improvement following remediation may be placed on probation.
- Status Change: Persistent noncompliance may lead to a change in the resident’s status to “not in good standing,” which can have further implications for the resident’s progress and standing within the program.
- Extreme cases with failure to meet this minimum standard despite attempts to correct the lack of professionalism will be considered for possible non-renewal or release from their contract.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Residents may request exceptions for extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergencies) affecting their ability to attend sessions. Such requests should be submitted in advance, whenever possible, to the residency program director, designated faculty member, or program administrator. Communication is key.
Conclusion
Attendance at didactic sessions, including Friday Lectures, early morning casting and fracture clinics, is a professional responsibility that enhances the educational experience and prepares residents for successful careers in family medicine. This policy underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive training and upholding the highest standards of medical education and professionalism within our 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