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University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville
University of Florida Graduate Medical Education

Benefits, Requirements and Resources
for Residents and Fellows of Non-Standard Programs

The following provides a brief description of individual benefits and requirements. In addition, residents and fellows are provided a range of resources to conduct research, enhance their learning experience and further their careers.

We have made available a copy of the current resident contract Adobe PDF Document, which includes the terms and conditions of appointment. Also provided are the resident eligibility and selection criteria Adobe PDF Document in accordance with NRMP.

For a comprehensive summary of fringe benefits provided by the University of Florida, go to http://www.med.ufl.edu/benefits/house.pdf.

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Background Checks and Drug Screens
Many hospitals and other facilities to which residents rotate now require criminal background checks and drug screens of all individuals working, training, or volunteering in their institutions. These include several of the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville’s educational partners. In addition, application to the Florida Board of Medicine as a resident/fellow/house physician, as well as for unrestricted licensure, requires self-disclosure of criminal convictions and of prior substance abuse and/or treatment.

As a condition of appointment with the UFCOM-J as a resident physician, all residents must undergo screening to include:

  • A State and Federal criminal background check
  • A check of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of excluded individuals and US General Services Administration (GSA) excluded parties list
  • A urine drug screen

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Bioterrorism Response
Shands Jacksonville serves as a regional bioterrorism response facility, one of only seven in Florida. In this capacity, we are expected to receive up to 500 casualties resulting from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or a natural disaster with very little notice. As a member of the house staff, you will be expected to participate should this occur.

COBRA
When residents leave employment with the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville, you are entitled to purchase continuous health coverage under COBRA.

Disability Insurance
Residents and Fellows are provided Long Term Disability insurance.

Distance Learning
The UFHSCJ has several video conference sites for classes, meetings and other presentations. These include the Alumni Auditorium, classroom 4003, the Deal Boardroom and the Borland Library conference room. Videoconferencing at the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville is routed through a video bridge at the UF Health Science Center in Gainesville.

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Drug-Free Workplace
As University of Florida residents, the Standard of Conduct promulgated by the university is applicable. UF Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

FICA Alternative Plan
Residents and fellows contribute to the FICA Alternative Plan instead of the Social Security Administration. Medicare contributions will continue to be withheld and matched by the employer.

Harassment Policy
The University of Florida College of Medicine is committed to the maintenance of a supportive and productive environment for its students, staff, residents and faculty. In order to ensure that such an environment exists, inappropriate behavior in all forms is not permissible. Students, staff, residents, and faculty of the UFCOM-J are expected to abide by the Guidelines on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment of the University of Florida.

Health Insurance
The group health plan, fully paid by the employer, provides coverage for:

  • The employee
  • The spouse of an eligible employee (unless legally separated or divorced)
  • Qualified domestic partner
  • Unmarried children under age 19
  • Unmarried children between ages 19 and 25 who are dependent upon the insured for support and are either full-time or part-time students or reside in the insured's household

Holidays
Residents shall be entitled to observe all official holidays designated by the Department of Administration for state employees except when they are on call for clinical responsibilities. Holidays for UFCOM-J include:

  • Independence Day, Friday, July 3, 2009
  • Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2009
  • Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2009
  • Thanksgiving Day, Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2009
  • Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2009
  • New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2010
  • Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Monday, January 18, 2010
  • Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010

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Leave
For complete leave information see the UFCOM-J Resident Leave Policy

Library, Medical
Educational resources are many and varied on our campus. Most medical departments maintain their own libraries. The designated central medical library is the Borland Health Sciences Library (BHSL), a division of the UF Health Science Center Library (HSCL). Borland Library's homepage, has links to many electronic resources, including electronic journals, Pub Med and Up To Date, as well as information about the Library's services and collections.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Residents and Fellows are provided life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment insurance.

Medical & Health Requirements for Residents
For full details of required immunization documentation and ongoing medical requirements go to the immunization topic in the resident manual.

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Office of Educational Affairs
The Senior Associate Dean for Educational Affairs serves as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) responsible for the oversight of medical education at the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville. Working closely with the Office of Educational Affairs, the DIO ensures a learning environment that fosters high quality medical resident education and resident and fellow well-being.

Parking
Shands Jacksonville provides covered parking on campus free of charge.

Professional Liability Coverage
As a participant in a graduate medical education program of the University, a resident is an employee of the University of Florida. The resident is personally immune from civil liabilities that may arise from any negligent acts or omissions committed by the resident in the course of employment, with coverage commensurate with individual's specialty. According to Florida Statutes Section 768.28, the Florida Board of Trustees (FBOT), the state agency that operates the University of Florida, is responsible for any civil claims or actions arising from the negligent acts of its employees and agents. The FBOT is protected for such liabilities through the University of Florida/JHMHC/Jacksonville Self-Insurance Program (UF/JSIP), a self-insurance program established by Florida Statutes Section 1004.24. The UF/JSIP also provides risk management services to Shands Jacksonville. A resident must identify himself or herself at all times as a University of Florida employee, as evidenced by the wearing of the ID badge while participating in the graduate medical education program. The Self Insurance Program affords you personal Professional Liability Protection while you act as a good Samaritan, while you are involved in community service work which has been pre-approved by your college, or if you are on a UF educational assignment outside of Florida.

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Research
The UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville is committed to fostering research by the faculty and residents. This institution has been engaged in clinically applied research for many years and is enriched by the presence of faculty who have demonstrated excellence in performing research and in training new investigators. The Office of Research Affairs is dedicated to this mission.

    Biostatistician
    Biostatistics for Clinical Research Outline

    Dean's Fund Research Grant
    The Dean's Fund Research Grant provides support to Residents for research projects on which they are the Principal Investigator. All residents awarded grant funds will be expected to prepare a manuscript of their work for submission to a peer-reviewed journal prior to the end of their residency. They will also be expected to submit their manuscript or poster for the annual Research Day competition.

    Poster Printer
    The availability of a large format printer allows faculty and residents to create high quality, cost effective research posters and presentations without leaving the campus.

    Research Curriculum CD Set
    A core lecture curriculum that meets ACGME Institutional and Program Requirements is available to Residents:

    • Scientific Research - Getting Started
    • Protocol Development and Research Design
    • Scientific Writing & Presentation Skills
    • Evaluating Basic Literature
    • Basic Biostatistics
    • Information Literacy

    Research Travel Grant
    The Dean's Office has established a Research Travel Fund to provide additional funding for residents and fellows to present at national and international conferences. All awardees are expected to submit their research project for presentation at the annual Research Day.

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Resident Assistance Program (Counseling)
UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville and Shands Jacksonville provide the funding for free counseling for emotional problems, stress, alcohol or drug problems, family/relationship worries and financial difficulties. It is confidential and free of charge. You are also invited to visit www.corporatecareworks.com.

Stipends
Each resident is given a stipend to pursue their graduate medical education in an amount appropriate to the level of function in the program.

Tax-Sheltered Annuities 403(b)
The 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity provides a way, through payroll reduction, to save money for long-term financial goals/retirement, while reducing the current tax liability.