Residency

Lines of Communication

Uniformity in the lines of communication between junior residents, senior residents and supervising attending physicians is preferred with the understanding that flexibility is required in varying educational environments. We believe that junior residents gain from presenting their clinical evaluation and initial formulation of plans to their resident/faculty supervisors. Likewise, senior residents gain experience and confidence by presenting their management plans to a supervising faculty member. Senior level residents must also be aware of all patient care activities on their clinical service and hence, must be an integral part of any reporting system. Similarly, senior residents need autonomy in decision making, yet all parties need to be aware that the attending physician carries ultimate responsibility for patient care. Therefore, by recommending appropriate lines of communication between junior residents, senior residents and attendings, it is possible to maximize the educational experience from each case, as well as provide for safe and effective patient care. The following suggestions for reporting have been recommended by residents and faculty as a group with these goals in mind:

• Junior residents will report all clinical evaluations, laboratory results and initial management plans to their senior resident on service.
• The senior resident on service will discuss these findings and plans with the junior resident and acquaint themselves with the specifics of the case. This senior level resident is expected to critique and build on the presentation. After consultation, the senior resident may then encourage the junior resident to report directly to the supervising attending physician or the senior resident may choose to present the case directly to the supervising attending physician. In general, the presentation of simple and straightforward cases should be made by junior residents, while complex cases should be the responsibility of the senior level resident.

For additional information, please contact:
Rina Goslawski
Residency Coordinator
(708) 216-6906 - Office
(708) 216-3280 - Receptionist
(708) 216-5858 - Fax
cgoslawski@lumc.edu

Professional Development

• Residency Program Handbook (140 Kb)
• Call Responsibilities
• Extramural Medical Education
• Lines of Communication
• Resident Coverage of OR Cases
• Senior Service Residents
• Teaching Responsibilities