Problem ResolutionAPPIC has
established both a Informal Problem
Resolution 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 and Resolution process before a formal complaint is filed. INFORMAL
PROBLEM RESOLUTION The goals of the Informal Problem Resolution (IPR)
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. The IPR process is confidential.
In some instances, the IPR representative from APPIC interacts only with
the individual seeking assistance; in other cases, when the individual grants
permission, the IPR 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 IPR 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
resolution 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 IPR representative before taking any
action to withdraw. If you would like to seek confidential consultation
or assistance with problem resolution, contact Dr. Steve McCutcheon, Chair, APPIC
Board of Directors, at Stephen.McCutcheon@va.gov
or (206)764-2895. The Chair will forward inquiries and concerns to a consultant. FORMAL
COMPLAINT PROCESSSometimes, serious problems cannot be adequately handled
through the APPIC Informal Problem Resolution 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
Resolution 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 2 January 2008 | 
