EM Resident Salary and Benefits

Annual Stipends 

The 2010 - 2011 Resident Stipend Scale is:
 

Vacation

Residents are given two weeks of paid vacation in their intern year and three weeks during their second and third years.  Depending on the rotation schedule, residents may receive an additional few days off during either Christmas or New Year's holidays, given approval of the Program Director and Chair, and allowing for coverage for patients.

Other Benefits

• Certification: BLS, ACLS, ATLS, PALS, and ABLS paid by institution
• Funding for meals (maximum of $20 per day via a swipe card in the hospital cafeteria)
• Relocation reimbursement up to $1,000 with original receipts when moving to Chattanooga
• Free covered parking directly attached to hospital
• White, monogrammed coats at no charge
• Free Hepatitis B immunization
• 24-hour access to the Medical Library inside Erlanger
• 24-hour computer access via the Medical Library and call lounges
• 24-hour access to fitness room with workout equipment
• Free photocopies at the Medical Library
• Free local CME conferences sponsored by the University of Tennessee
• Hospital provided PDA (used HP iPaq) with wireless (Wi-Fi) access to internet and patient records, or up to $250 reimbursement toward purchase of a PDA or smart phone (out of Professional Development funds)
• Free post office box at Erlanger's United States Postal Office
• Free digital, alphanumeric pagers
• Free notary service
• On-site child care available at Erlanger E Kids (on a space-available basis)
• Access to University of Tennessee, Chattanooga's extensive undergraduate recreational, sports, fitness, and library facilities for a nominal fee.

Parental Leave
Parental leave (maternity and paternity) is available to residents for the birth or adoption of a child or foster care placement. Annual leave and sick leave, in accordance with University policy may be used so that salary may be continued. Any additional leave requested would be without pay. Residents are entitled to family leave, including time without pay, for up to 12 weeks. The resident must give reasonable notice (30 days when the need for leave is foreseeable). The Residency Program Director is responsible for determining whether the time off (in excess of vacation and holidays) would need to be made up at the end of training in accordance with board certification requirements. The make-up time, if required, would be with pay.

Malpractice Coverage
As employees of the State of Tennessee, residents are protected against suits for malpractice via the Tennessee Claims Commission Act. The State is self-insured so there is no insurance carrier; however, coverage is similar to what would be stated in an insurance policy.

Book Reimbursement and Professional Development

Erlanger Medical Center will reimburse each resident for annual educational enhancements such as book reimbursements and conference attendance as follows:

PGY-1       $    500

PGY-2       $ 1,000

PGY-3       $ 1,500

Other items which can be reimbursed from this educational enhancement fund include:

• USMLE Step 3 examination
• Membership to ACEP and SAEM
• Electronic medical resource media
• CD-ROM board review courses
• Video course materials
• Hard copy or electronic medical subscriptions

Residents are allowed one week of educational conference leave each year. All travel approval and reimbursement is subject to University of Tennessee policies and procedures.

Sick Leave
Residents may be paid for up to 21 sick days per year (four weeks and one day); however, these cannot be carried over from year to year. A Program Director may request a physician's statement for periods of sick leave. A resident may not be paid for unused sick leave at the end of the year. The determination as to whether or not the resident will be required to make up time missed due to slck Leave will be made by the Program Director in accordance with residency requirements and board certification requirements.

Health and Dental Insurance
Below are the resident portions of the monthly 2010 - 2011 health and dental insurance premiums provided by CIGNA:

The annual Individual deductible (calendar year) is $250, and the annual family deductible (for in-network) is $500. The plan pays for 90 percent of charges for covered services from network facilities and providers.  Visit the CIGNA website for a list of providers:  www.cigna.org.

Disability Insurance
The University provides $1,500 per month of tax-free disability benefits following 90 days of disability. Benefits are payable to age 65. This coverage cannot be cancelled by the insurance company, and premiums are guaranteed level at your current age rates through age 65. Full benefits will be paid even if you collect from Social Security or workers' compensation.

In addition, this policy has a guaranteed issue of up to $4,000 per month for residents who choose additional coverage. You may elect additional coverage at employment or at completion of your residency. For your convenience, the additional coverage at your own expense may be payroll deducted.

To offset the cost of the basic long-term disability coverage ($1500 per month), the University adds $50 each month to the agreed upon stipend scale. Actual premiums depend on the resident's date of birth.

Life Insurance
Basic life insurance is also provided for residents in the amount of $100,000, plus and an additional $100,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage.  The $50 added to the monthly stipend also helps offset the small monthly premium (under $7) for this basic life insurance.

Continuation of Health Insurance via COBRA
A resident may continue his or her existing health insurance policy after either leaving training or taking an unpaid leave of absence for a period of up to 18 months by paying the entire premium (employee and employer portion plus a small fee).

Revised 8/2010