Problem ConsultationAPPIC has
established both an Informal Problem
Consultation process and a Formal
Complaint process in order to address issues and concerns that may arise during
the internship or postdoctoral selection process or during the internship or postdoctoral
training year. Applicants, current and recently-graduated interns and postdoctoral
residents, Directors of Clinical Training (DCTs), internship and postdoctoral
Training Directors, and training program faculty/staff are welcome to utilize
these services. APPIC
policies state that concerns must first be brought to the informal problem
consultation process before a formal complaint is filed. INFORMAL
PROBLEM CONSULTATION
The goals of the Informal Problem Consultation (IPC)
process are to provide guidance, consultation, and assistance in resolving the
broad array of problems and challenges that may be encountered by concerned parties
in the internship or postdoctoral context.
In some instances, the IPC representative from APPIC interacts only with
the individual seeking assistance; in other cases, when the individual grants
permission, the IPC representative may talk with multiple parties in order to
seek information or negotiate a resolution. Students and trainers have found
this process to be an effective and efficient mechanism for handling the majority
of problems and conflicts that arise regarding various aspects of internship and
postdoctoral training. Here are some examples of situations in which an
individual (or group of individuals) may make use of the IPC process:
- An internship applicant or internship training director experiences what he/she
perceives to be a violation of APPIC Match Policies.
- An internship
or postdoctoral training director has concerns about a student's competence or
unethical/unprofessional behavior and wants to consult about possible options
or solutions.
- A current intern or postdoctoral resident believes
that his/her internship or postdoctoral program is not in compliance with APPIC
membership policies.
- A current intern or postdoctoral resident
is concerned about his/her training experience and wants to consult about options
or solutions.
- A Director of Clinical Training is concerned
about a student's internship experience and wants to consult about options or
solutions.
- An applicant or trainee feels that he/she has been
treated in an inappropriate, disrespectful, or discriminatory manner.
- An intern or postdoctoral resident and/or an internship or postdoctoral
Training Director would like guidance in handling issues related to medical concerns,
pregnancy, child/elder care, family hardships, disability, etc.
- An
individual is unsure if a policy violation has occurred, or is unsure if his/her
situation warrants a formal complaint or is best addressed by the Informal Problem
Consultation process.
In cases in which an intern applicant
or current intern has concerns about his/her ability or willingness to attend
or complete an internship, and is considering withdrawing from his/her Match or
Clearinghouse commitment, the individual MUST contact the IPC representative before
taking any action to withdraw. If you would like to seek confidential consultation
or assistance with problem resolution, contact Dr. Sharon Berry, Chair, APPIC
Board of Directors, at or sharon.berry@childrensmn.org
or (612) 813-6727. The Chair will forward inquiries and concerns to a consultant. FORMAL
COMPLAINT PROCESSSometimes, serious problems cannot be adequately handled
through the APPIC Informal Problem Consultation process. For these situations,
a formal complaint may be filed with the APPIC Standards and Review Committee
(ASARC). The purpose of ASARC is: (a) to investigate alleged violations
of APPIC policies and procedures, (b) to recommend an appropriate response to
the APPIC Board of Directors upon determining that a policy violation has occurred,
and (c) to serve in a consultative or educative role when queries are made regarding
APPIC policies and procedures. In response to a complaint filed with ASARC, the
APPIC Board may decide to impose sanctions on individuals or training programs
that violate APPIC policies. For more information on the formal complaint
procedures, please see the ASARC
Procedures for Handling Grievances and Violations of APPIC Policies. Please
note that there are time limitations on the filing of formal complaints; see Policy
IV-B for specifics. In addition, APPIC
policies state that concerns must first be brought to the Informal Problem
Consultation process before a formal complaint is filed. Questions about
the formal complaint process may be directed to Dr. Mark Vogel, Chair of APPIC's
Standards and Review Committee, at vogel1@msu.edu. Complaints
should be filed using the ASARC Complaint Form (download
in Word format) and submitted to: Chair, APPIC Standards
and Review Committee
APPIC
10 G Street, NE, Suite 440
Washington,
DC 20002 11 August 2009
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