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Leave of Absence Policy

Introduction:

Leaves of absence for any reason (with or without pay) are covered by ARTICLE XVI of the UM House Officers Association Agreement. Specific provisions cover Military Leaves (SECTION A), Personal Leaves (SECTION B), Child Care Leaves (SECTION C), Personal Medical Leaves (SECTION D), and Family Medical Leaves (SECTION E). Personal leaves of absence for other purposes may be granted at the discretion of the department chairperson (SECTION B.95).

The GME Review Board has adopted the following additional provisions as part of the institutional Leave of Absence policy for residents:

1. Leaves for purposes of professional development or skill enhancement outside of the training program shall be handled as "Personal Leaves".
2. Leaves for purposes of remediation of academic deficiencies outside of the training program shall be handled as "Personal Leaves".
3. When considering any leave of absence request, the department chairperson or designee will evaluate the request to assure compliance with the RRC criteria for completion of the residency program, the House Officer Association Agreement, the Family Medical Leave Act and any other applicable University policy or legal requirement. Consultation on employment policy and legal issues is available from the University's Human Resources Department and the General Counsel's Office.
4. It is the responsibility of the resident to ascertain from the residency program director the effect that the time away from the program would have on completion of the program requirements.
5. At the beginning of an approved leave, the effect of the leave on completing the program will be documented in the program records and conveyed to the resident in writing.
6. A resident who believes that his or her request for a leave of absence has been unfairly denied may appeal the decision of the department chairperson through the grievance process provided in Article XXI of the Agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan House Officers Association or through the procedures for Appeal of Academic Decisions, whichever is applicable.

APPROVED BY THE GME REVIEW BOARD: September 15, 1999