Standard Benefits

Annual (Vacation) Leave

All postgraduate students receive ten (10) working days of annual vacation per year. Vacation time is defined as time for personal recreation or business that is distinct from professional continuing education or professional meetings. Vacation leave is granted at the discretion of the Program Director. Annual Leave must be approved, in writing, by the Program Director in advance. Postgraduate students are not granted compensation time for working on legal holidays unless specifically provided by the Program Director according to departmental policy. Time off for job interviews and for setting up private practices must be taken as annual leave unless approved by the Program Director. Annual leave must be scheduled in advance and cannot accrue from one year to the next.

Administrative (Professional) Leave

Administrative leave is defined as time allotted for continuing education at approved professional meetings in conjunction with the educational objectives of the program. Approval for administrative leave to attend continuing education courses, board examinations, and/or other professional development activities is at the Program Director’s discretion. Approval is based on merit relative to the student’s professional development. Each resident is allowed ten (10) working days per year of approved administrative leave. Administrative leave must be scheduled in advance, should be considered in the context of conflicting with patient care responsibilities, and cannot accrue from one year to the next.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall be granted on a case-by-case basis. If a resident is absent from work due to illness for more than three (3) consecutive days, a physician’s clearance statement from the primary treating physician must be presented prior to the resident returning to work. Illnesses of the resident or the resident’s spouse, child or parent may be considered a qualifying event under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Residents who are absent from work to care for a spouse, child, parent, spouse’s parent, brother or sister may request special medical leave status. The Program Director may request the resident provide a medical certification statement from the treating physician indicating the nature and seriousness of the illness of either the resident or the resident’s qualifying family member. The resident may be required to “make up” the time missed in accordance with the Residency Program and Board Eligibility Requirements.

Bereavement Leave

Bereavement leave of three (3) days shall be given per death of an immediate family member (i.e., parents, grandparents, siblings, children or spouse). The resident is required to have the approval of the Program Director. The resident may take additional annual leave upon approval of the Program Director.

Professional Leave of Absence

Professional Leave of Absence may be granted under special circumstances and will be handled on an individual case-by-case basis by the Program Director and Department Chair. The Resident may be required to “make-up” the time missed in accordance with the Residency Program and Board Eligibility requirements. Both Military Leave and Jury Duty are covered under this policy. Residents must follow Departmental Procedures when requesting a Professional Leave of Absence and must submit this request in writing.

Professional Liability Insurance: Students enrolled in the postgraduate program are covered for professional liability under the State of South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund. The coverage extends beyond the time in residency from incidents that occurred during their formal training (i.e., “tail coverage”). The malpractice insurance is not applicable to off-campus patient care.