Dr. Sarita Verma, as Vice Dean PGME, established the Fellowship Working Group in January 2008, to respond to the absence of a regulatory framework for clinical fellowship training, to confront challenges in assessment and issuance of certificates, and to examine reported harassment and perceived inequities. Membership included representatives of the postgraduate programs and affiliated teaching hospitals.
From January 2008 through September 2009, the Fellowship Working Group dedicated itself to achieving the following goals:
Document departmental practices in the appointment of clinical fellows
Develop and implement a survey of clinical fellows
Formulate selection and appointment guidelines
Clarify application of faculty/university policies to clinical fellows
Issue report to set minimum standards across departments for clinical fellowships and recommend best practices
Following its presentation to HUEC, PGMEAC and the Clinical Chairs, the report of the Fellowship Working Group, Raising the Bar: Recommended Standards for the Management of Clinical Fellowships, was finalized at the group’s meeting of September 10, 2009.