GME Benefits

All assignments to institutions, rotation schedules and hours of duty for postgraduate trainees are determined and announced by the appropriate residency program director. These assignments, rotations and duty hours must comply with School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Policy and ACGME standards.

The UHP Behavioral Health Program provides access to confidential, professional behavioral health services at no out-of-pocket cost. Saint Louis University is concerned about the well-being and success of its medical trainees and recognizes they may encounter an array of issues and challenges throughout their lives. The UHP Behavioral Health Program covers up to six sessions with no requirement of a mental health diagnosis, which means UHP members can receive consultation for any problem or life event that may be causing distress or for members interested in enhancing their personal wellness.

For more information regarding the UHP Behavioral Health Program, you may contact the confidential access line at 314-977-1066. The access line is available 24/7 for appointment scheduling or to speak with the clinician on-call.

Whenever a program is considering a change in the number of trainees at any year level of the program, the program director must notify the GMEC, and complete the residency program assessment tool or provide similar justification. Any changes in the number of trainees, either an increase or a decrease (including closure of the program) must be communicated to current trainees in writing.

While not anticipated, the School of Medicine requires that programs with approved plans to decrease the number of trainees or close the program must allow trainees already in the program to complete their training, or will assist the trainees in enrolling in ACGME-accredited programs to continue their training.

An ATM machine is located in Saint Louis University Hospital. Check-cashing services are available in the Admitting Department of Saint Louis University Hospital.

A certificate indicating board eligibility is issued upon satisfactory completion of the department’s described postgraduate training program and once all medical records are completed. Trainees should review program-specific requirements for board certification at www.abms.org. 

Continuation Rights, a federal law, requires that group health plans provide for the continuation of coverage beyond an individual’s termination of employment/training and under other specified conditions. Information regarding eligibility and continued health care coverage may be obtained through the Saint Louis University Department of Human Resources.

Three optional plans of coverage are available through payroll deduction. The application can be made at any time. Changing from one plan to another is allowed during open-enrollment periods.

A Dependent Care Spending Account lets you pay for eligible child or dependent care expenses with contributions taken from your pay before taxes. You may elect any amount of benefit up to a legal limit of $5,000 per year (married persons filing separate returns would be limited to $2,500). An enrollment choice must be made within 31 days of your date of start of training or during the annual open enrollment period.

Arrangements may be made to have stipend checks deposited automatically to a designated personal account(s) each stipend period.

In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and Drug-Free Schools and Universities Act, Saint Louis University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol in the workplace, on University premises, or as part of the University activities.  All employees are expected to abide by these standards of conduct as a condition of employment.  For purposes of this policy, unlawful conduct involving illicit drugs or alcohol is governed by the laws in effect where the employee is working.  Trainees with a history of drug and alcohol dependency must notify their program director prior to admission and will be required to work with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The University reserves the right to perform “for cause” drug testing and requires drug testing prior to contact with patients.

Residents are informed in their letter of appointment that any misunderstanding or dispute involving a graduate trainee is to be resolved by and within the clinical departments. The GME Ombudsman is available to assist any trainee through this process. Concerns about systematic and fair application of GME policies and procedures may be brought to the representatives of SLURA.

In the event of an adverse or reportable academic action including probation, suspension, restriction of privileges, non-renewal of appointment, or dismissal, if a resident or fellow believes, however, that any such matter has not been handled reasonably, recourse is available from the administration of the School of Medicine through the Dean’s Office. The resident will first grieve to the Program Director via the Clinical Competency Committee, then the Departmental Chair. The Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education or designee will review the situation, meet separately with the trainee and the Program Director, review all program and performance documentation, and either reverse or uphold the decision made at the departmental level or may recommend to the Dean that a hearing be held. Such a hearing would be held by a committee of the faculty external to the Program and Department, appointed by the Dean, who may prescribe such rules for the conduct of the hearing as may be necessary. If dismissal is the issue, prior to the hearing the resident shall be advised of the basis for the proposed dismissal. At the hearing, the trainee shall be afforded opportunity to make such statements and present such evidence as may be desired in reflection of the concerns documented and adverse action recommended. The determination of the committee shall be transmitted to the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, whose ruling on the decision shall be final.

This process is separate, distinct, and in addition to any proceeding associated with the Code of Professional Conduct.

A major goal of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine is the postgraduate trainee’s growth and development. Saint Louis University is aware of the stresses and impact of these years of training on postgraduate trainees and their families. This program confidentially addresses personal issues and provides short-term counseling. To schedule an appointment, please call 314-977-1066

Effective March 1, 2021, Saint Louis University will offer the following benefits to all eligible employees:

• Care.com Membership: Premium, unlimited access to Care.com to find caregivers, tutors, errand runners, senior caregivers, pet walkers and sitters, housecleaners and more ($39/month value that is free for SLU employees).
• Backup Care for Children: Access to in-home or in-center vetted and subsidized care for your children when your regular care is not available. Use your Backup Care days for school or day care closures, last-minute sitter cancellations, someone to help with distance learning and more.
  • You have 10 Backup Care days/year to use for either child or adult Backup Care.
  • Backup Care co-pays for childcare are as follows:
    • $6/hr for in-home childcare
    • $10/day for in-center childcare
• Backup Care for Adults: Care.com provides Backup Care for adults for rides to doctor appointments, help recovering from surgery, meal prep, care for when regular adult care is not available and more. Whether you need an extra hand, or you have a parent across the country who could use extra support, we can help.
  • You have 10 Backup Care days/year to use for either child or adult Backup Care.
  • Backup Care co-pays for adult care are as follows:
    • $6/hour for in-home adult care
• Expert Assistance: This concierge service allows employees to work with one of the Care Specialists to find permanent care for your family. First, you will design and share the job responsibilities and requirements (including the pay scale and other details) for what is needed to care for your family member. Then, the Specialists will post a job on the Care.com website and review the results and applicants to provide you with the best options that fit your needs.
• Senior Care Solutions: Your Senior Care Solutions benefit gives you personalized, professional guidance from a Master’s-level social worker around caring for an aging loved one. You can also access a technology platform, The Family Care Hub, to manage the ongoing coordination and communication regarding your loved one’s care needs.
• Childcare Tuition Discounts: Tuition discounts are available through Care.com’s service that allows parents to search the St. Louis region and find the right placement options and discounts for their children.

Enroll on or after March 1, 2021, at slucare.com to access these benefits.

You will use your Employee ID (i.e. the 9-digit number) to register. Make sure to download the Care@Work mobile app to quickly request Backup Care!

If you have any questions, please email contact benefits@slu.edu.

All matters relating to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) must be requested in advance by the postgraduate trainee to the training program director or designated representative and by the appropriate human resources representative. Information and forms for FMLA leaves may be obtained in the Human Resources Department of Saint Louis University. FMLA is not available until the trainee has completed 12 months of continuous appointment.

Mary Walley is the financial aid coordinator for School of Medicine students. She can be reached at mwalley2@slu.edu or 314-977-9845.

The Flexible Spending Plan lets you pay for eligible medical and dental expenses that are not otherwise covered by insurance with contributions taken from your pay before taxes. You may elect an amount of benefit up to $2,500 per year. Enrollment must be made within 31 days of the start of training or during the annual open enrollment period.

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all state and federal regulations related to employment including criminal record checks for health care workers.

The hospital to which postgraduate trainees are assigned will have prepared identification badges, which trainees are required to wear while on duty.

There are many locations throughout our campus and other participatory hospital sites that provide lactation areas and baby-changing stations. 

Leave of absence for compelling personal reasons must be arranged in advance with the training program director. Leave time will be without pay, continuation of benefits may be requested. Training will be extended by a time equivalent to the leave if so determined by the residency program director.

A choice is offered between benefits equal to one, two, three or four times base annual earnings. The University provides a benefit equal to one times the base annual stipend and the remaining benefit selected is provided at low group rates based on age. Dependent life in the amount of $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for an eligible dependent child is also available.

No allowance or provision is made for permanent living quarters for GME trainees. On-call quarters are made available by the hospitals for the trainees whose responsibilities dictate immediate availability during overnight call. Affiliated teaching hospitals will provide adequate and appropriate food services 24 hours a day.  No laundry service is provided.

Coverage is automatic as a condition of appointment, pre-existing conditions will apply. Benefits begin after three months of disability or the exhaustion of sick leave not to exceed six months. The plan pays 60 percent of stipend up to $15,000 per month. Benefits will be reduced by payments received under workers' compensation and/or social security laws. There will be a small payroll deduction assessed for benefits that apply to any portion of the stipend that exceeds $36,000 per year.

Health insurance is provided to GME trainees through the University Health Plan (UHP). Monthly premiums are paid at 100 percent for Saint Louis University School of Medicine's postgraduate trainees and members of their immediate family. Information on enrolling dependents is available through the  UHP Office at 314-977-5666. 

If a postgraduate trainee is off duty because of caregiver/sick/parental leave for greater than 3 consecutive days, 3 days for the same illness or 3 days in a 30-day period, then medical evidence substantiating the nature and probable duration of leave will be required. FMLA paperwork must be completed for a caregiver/sick/parental period greater than 3 consecutive days or 3 days for the same condition. Up to 6 weeks (30 working days plus adjacent weekends) of fully paid "Caregiver/Sick/the Parental Leave" is provided once within the same appointed training program for FMLA qualifying conditions. If this leave is exhausted during the first 2 years (24 months) of appointed training and the program is longer than 24 months, then an additional 2 weeks (10 working days plus adjacent weekends) of paid caregiver/sick/parental leave for FMLA qualifying caregiver/sick/parental is provided for each additional 12-month training appointment after completing 24 months of appointed training. This additional time is accrued, beginning with the next 12-month appointment period and prorated should the trainee not complete the full 12-month appointment period.

Trainees must first exhaust available and qualifying paid caregiver/sick/parental leave followed by available vacation time during the appointment year prior to entering unpaid leave status. If the trainee must enter unpaid-leave status due to exhausting all paid vacation and caregiver/sick/parental leave for an FMLA-qualifying condition, the trainee may reserve by deferring one week of remaining paid vacation or caregiver/sick/parental to be used during the remaining appointment period. Additional unpaid leave may be granted for an FMLA-qualifying condition. When the trainee is able to return to the program from an extended caregiver/sick/parental leave, it shall be the responsibility and the prerogative of the training program director, in consultation with the GME Office and under the requirements of the ACGME and medical specialty board requirements, to determine whether or not clinical duties must be made up or training time extended to meet graduation requirements. The decision of the program director shall be final.

Appointment to postgraduate training programs of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a full-time professional education commitment on the part of the trainee. This commitment extends to the full 52-week term of each trainee’s appointment period. Accordingly, the trainee is not to engage in any remunerative professional work (“moonlighting”) or to accept fees for services rendered to patients in the course of the training program. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved, in advance, in writing by the dean. Only exceptions recommended by the residency program director, the concerned clinical department chairman, and the senior associate dean will be considered. Any violation of this policy shall be cause for dismissal from the program.

Appointment to a residency or subspecialty residency training program of the School of Medicine will not under any circumstances include restrictive covenants.

Saint Louis University provides professional liability indemnification for postgraduate trainees either through the Saint Louis Health Sciences Center Health Professional Letter of Indemnity ("Letter of Indemnity") or through agreements with affiliated entities and their professional liability programs to cover patient care liability arising out of the trainees postgraduate training program.

All postgraduate trainees are responsible for prompt reporting of any potential liability incidents, for example, accidents, untoward results of treatment, quality issues/injuries or dissatisfied patients, as set forth in the Letter of Indemnity.

Should there be any indication of potential liability, the trainee shall complete a "Confidential Report for Counsel in Anticipation of Litigation" form and forward it to the Office of General Counsel, Saint Louis University, whose office is located in the Caroline Building, Room 130. Serious incidents resulting in significant injuries must be reported immediately to the Office of General Counsel at 314-977-5767. Any questions regarding the details of a trainee's coverage or reporting obligations should be directed to the Office of the General Counsel.

Trainees may sign-up for the Simon Recreation Center at no cost providing enrollment occurs within 31 days of start of training or renewal of membership within designated dates of enrollment. Spouse membership may be obtained for a fee.

Upon acceptance, the appointment will be in force for the period set forth in the first paragraph of the Appointment Letter. Reappointment for further postgraduate training is not automatic, and the Appointment Letter constitutes no agreement that the trainee will be reappointed to the training program for an additional period. Postgraduate trainees are reappointed only on the recommendation of the residency program director, the concerned department chairman or his/her designated representative, and with the approval of the associate dean of the senior associate dean.

It is a School of Medicine graduate medical education policy that re-appointments to a training program be on the basis of demonstrated progress through the goals and objectives of the appropriate year level of the program and/or towards appropriate specialty or subspecialty board certification as evaluated by the faculty, documented by the program director, and regularly shared with the trainee.

Program directors must provide both training and the Graduate Medical Education Office six months written notice of intent to not renew a trainee’s appointment. Graduate Medical Education trainees notified of the intent to not renew their appointment must be allowed full access to due process and the ombudsman program.

Postgraduate trainees are required to provide two months' written notice of resignation to their residency program director when termination is to occur at any time other than at the completion of a training year. This requirement may be waived only with the approval of the program director and the senior associate dean.

Due to the Joint Commission Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requirements at affiliated teaching hospitals, all residents/fellows must pass a pre-appointment drug testing.

Postgraduate trainees are expected to comply with all departmental rules and directives governing their training, and with the rules and regulations of the affiliated institution to which they are assigned for training. Continued failure to comply with these rules will result in the trainee having all or some privileges as a trainee under this appointment suspended. Any postgraduate trainee found to have removed medical records from the hospital premises and/or to have removed a medical record from a nursing station/medical records department without appropriate authorization is subject to immediate suspension from the program.

Reinstatement is at the discretion of the program director or department chairman. Repeated or prolonged failure to comply or to satisfactorily perform departmental training program requirements may be grounds for dismissal from or failure to be reappointed to the training program.

Saint Louis University’s policy is that sexual harassment is not acceptable conduct at the University.  Sexual harassment is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, Section 703 and by the Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX.  Further, the University shall take all steps reasonably necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, which will include affirmatively raising the subject and expressing strong disapproval thereof, developing appropriate sanctions, informing faculty, staff, and students of their rights and developing methods to sensitize all concerned.

The organization was designed to give residents a voice in the decision-making of the residency programs and practices that directly affect the trainee's education and life while a resident/fellow. SLURA helps guide the decisions that are made about the hospital programs, acts as an advocate for residents in any matters that need to be addressed with specific programs, departments or the hospital administration (anonymously if need be), and increases positive publicity for our hospital residency programs. There are four resident voting positions on the Graduate Medical Education Committee that are filled by representatives from SLURA.

Savings bonds may be purchased through payroll deduction.

Saint Louis University graduate medical education trainees are currently covered by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and are subject to withholding. Certain individuals are exempt from withholding and coverage. Nonimmigrant aliens under Section 101 (a) (15)(F), (J), or (M) of the Immigration and Nationality Act classified as student, scholar, trainee, teacher, etc. must provide a visa, proof of eligibility and a copy of IAP-66.

Postgraduate trainees are entitled to three weeks (21 days) of paid vacation each year (a week constitutes seven days), or a proportionate fraction thereof, if the trainee has spent less than one year in the training program. The special scheduling requirements associated with managing a large postgraduate training program necessitate that trainees must take their vacation in one-week blocks, as appropriate, and with the prior approval of the concerned training program director or designated representative.

According to Missouri Workers' Compensation law, insurance provides benefits for employees who sustain covered injuries at work. Operationally, the University chooses to provide this same coverage to GME trainees. Questions and incident reports should be directed to the Risk Management Office at 314-977-2228.

When trainees are assigned to other hospitals and an injury has occurred, the trainee must file an incident report with their hospital supervisor, in addition to filing with the Saint Louis University Risk Management Office, and be treated through Saint Louis University Employee Health located at 1310 South Grand, St. Louis, Missouri 63104.

Saint Louis University Employee Health can be reached by phone at 314-268-5499.  The SSM Worker’s Comp partner will also connect with the trainee and facilitate a medical evaluation with a panel physician upon receipt of the employee event.  If the employee needs to reach a member of the SSM Health WC Team prior to the WC Partner completing the initial reach out, the employee should call People Services (844) 776-6947.

If an injury is serious or after normal business hours, initial treatment may be rendered at the hospital emergency department of the assigned facility, with reporting to Employee Health on the next business day.

Tax-deferred investments are available through payroll reduction (pre-tax) from the same mutual fund families and annuities used for the University Retirement Plan. All house staff are immediately eligible for the 403(b) plan.