DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, LAS VEGAS

This Page is always under development. Check back often for updates!  Updates are always added to the top of the page with a date header to let you know when the additions/changes were made.  Please feel free to give me suggestions if you would like to see something added here!  Thank you all!

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FOR QUICK AND EASY RETURN AS YOU PROCEED THROUGH THESE STEPS!

NEW INFORMATION FOR VISA HOLDERS (“ALIEN” PHYSICANS):

Sujung J. Yoon (a Non Resident Alien Tax Specialist) MUST meet with all physicians who are here as “alien physicians” prior to employment date to complete and finalize all their tax documents.  This is a very detail and time consuming job.  If you do not meet with Ms. Yoon, YOU CANNOT START WORK!!

Ms. Yoon will be scheduled to meet with all non-resident alien residents during the orientation week in Las Vegas.  Once the time/date has been confirmed for (TBA) for her to meet with all Visa holding interns, you will be notified by email.   This will allow Ms. Yoon the ability to utilize the computer to expedite the process and help all the new alien residents.  Visa holders from internal medicine will meet with her to have an FNIS account for you.

IF YOU ARE A NON-RESIDENT "ALIEN" PHYSICIAN YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS (ORIGINAL PLUS ONE COPY) WITH YOU AT THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TIME (IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THEM WITH YOU!):

• H-1B’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) I-797, and (5) SS card.

• J-1’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) DS-2019, and (5) SS card.

• B-1/WB’s and B-2/WT’s won’t be eligible to work until they get their H-1B or J-1 status approved.

• F-1’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) I-20, (5) OPT card, and (6) SS card.  They must receive their OPT card in order to start working.

• If you were ever on any other status before or were with any other institutions before, Ms. Yoon would like to have a copy of all relevant documents.  For example, old visa(s), I-20’s, DS-2019’s, I-797’s, EAD cards, etc., if applicable.

March 20, 2009

WELCOME LETTER FROM YOUR COORDINATORS:

Dear Interns,

Welcome to the Internal Medicine Residency Program!  My name is Jodi Greene and I am Elizabeth Gutierrez's counterpart here in Internal Medicine.  You are all familiar with Elizabeth as she assisted you with your interview date/time, etc.  I will be assisting you all with your integration into residency from medical school.  We are excited to begin working

with you all!  In order to ensure that you begin your residency on time, please follow these instructions carefully.  Delays in submission of your required paperwork can cause licensing delays, credentialing delays, or more and could ultimately prevent you from starting on time (which we do not want)!

So, there are a number of things you must do RIGHT AWAY to facilitate this process.  The steps you must take to begin your hiring and credentialing process are outlined below. 

The steps are outlined below and there is an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Section at the end of the page to assist you with the completion of these steps/forms.  In addition to the FAQ Section, I am working on an "OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND MATERIALS" section that is coming very soon (as of August 10, 2009)!

Please follow the steps IN ORDER to ensure timely processing of all documentation:

STEP 1:

• WELCOME LETTER (sent to you via email and you got this website address from it).  You need to read and then sign to acknowledge your UNSOM Program Director and Chairperson Welcome Letter with the Addendum and Chapter 7 Codification of Board Policy Statements.  

• WELCOME LETTER signed is due to me by (TBA -day/date)!  This document can be signed, scanned and emailed back to me or it can be sent back to me with your Visa/License application.

STEP 2:

• If you are NOT an FMG, please skip to STEP 3 (below) to begin your credentialing, licensing and hiring paperwork.  VISA APPLICATIONS (Visa Application FAQ) with supporting documentation (f needed) are due to me by (TBA -day/date)!  ORIGINAL SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED on these forms so please do not email scanned copies back to me.  I must have the original and suggest that you send these documents via FEDERAL EXPRESS or some other form of "trackable" shipping method.

• PAYMENT of premium processing fees and/or OISS fees as listed below are due when you submit your application to the program!  If you send your application without the fees the application will not get processed!   Please see the sections below for more detailed information on these payments.

• If you are a FOREIGN (NON US Citizen or NON Green Card holder) MEDICAL GRADUATE ("FMG") who will also require sponsorship of an H-1B or J-1 Visa you MUST proceed through the following instructions carefully to begin your immigration/visa process before proceeding to Step 3. 

• If you are a FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATE and you need a Visa sponsored (H-1B or J-1), please view the appropriate link below to begin your application paperwork IMMEDIATELY!  NOTE:  Please utilize the application forms provided ON THIS PAGE, as they are PRE-FILLED with the necessary program information for expediting purposes!

Interns MUST request expedited "PREMIUM PROCESSING" whenever offered on Visa applications to ensure the Visa will be issued prior to the Interns required July 1, 2009 start date!  The $1,000 premium processing fee is to be PAID BY THE INTERN and $820 is paid for by UNSOM Internal Medicine.  A personal check is acceptable and should be made payable to "Department of Homeland Security". 

J-1 Applicants (J-1 Application FAQ):

• Initial and continuing applications are processed as outlined here on the ECFMG site here: http://ecfmg22.securesites.net/evsp/processing.html 

• Additionally, you will need to visit the ECFMG website ECFMG | Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP) to initiate your application paperwork.  HOWEVER, PLEASE USE the typical application form linked here as this has been prepared for your convenience (J1 Visa ECFMG Application package) with our Institution and Departmental information pre-filled for expediting purposes.  Please complete your packets and forward to JODI GREENE immediately to ensure your timely start of internship.

H-1B Applicants (H-1B Application FAQ):

• You have the choice to use a private attorney or the OISS Office to assist you with the completion and coordination of your H-1B paperwork. 

• If you are using an attorney, you must provide me with the name and contact information for the attorney immediately.

• If you do not have an attorney at this time or have not been referred to any attorney by your school or someone you know, I would suggest using the OISS Office to assist you.  I have a standing relationship with OISS and response time is usually much quicker. 

• The OISS charges a fee of $1,200 which is payable by the intern (in addition to the $1,000 required for the Premium Processing).  Personal checks are accepted and should be made out to "Board of Regents" for the OISS fee.  You can reach Elizabeth Adamska at the OISS at 775-784-6874.  You WILL need to send the payment WITH the application or the application will not be processed until the fees are received.  The deadline is established to ensure that your Visa is approved and issued prior to your start date of July 1, but also early enough for you to start orientation timely, too.  A personal check is acceptable and will not be cashed for at least a week or more from the day you send it to me for processing.

• General information on H-1B Visas can be found at Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) .  Please DO NOT use the H-1B forms listed on the OISS site as circled in red here.  These forms are blank forms.  The forms you are to complete are in the paragraph below.

• COMPLETE THESE FORMS:  H-1B Applicants are required to review the H-1B Overview and H-1B Physicians links and complete the H-1B Employee Forms for immediate forward to me. 

• Please complete the blank fields in the H-1B NEW APPLICATION and forward to me with the H-1B employee documents listed above.  YOU WILL NOT NEED TO SIGN ANY OF THE PAGES IN THE "NEW APPLICATION" above.  This is the departmental forms but I need you to complete the information related to you personally.  Once I have all of the “employee forms” and the prefilled "New Application" I will get the appropriate Program Director and Chairperson signatures, attach my departmental forms and employment letters to forward to the OISS office promptly.

ALL VISAHOLDERS:  TAX REQUIREMENT FOR VISA HOLDERS (“ALIEN” PHYSICANS):

• Sujung J. Yoon (a Non Resident Alien Tax Specialist) MUST meet with all physicians who are here as “alien physicians” prior to employment date to complete and finalize all their tax documents.  This is a very detail and time consuming job.  If you do not meet with Ms. Yoon, YOU CANNOT START WORK!!

• Ms. Yoon will be scheduled to meet with all non-resident alien residents during the orientation week in Las Vegas.  Once the time/date has been confirmed for (TBA) for her to meet with all Visa holding interns, you will be notified by email.   This will allow Ms. Yoon the ability to utilize the computer to expedite the process and help all the new alien residents.  Visa holders from internal medicine will meet with her to have an FNIS account for you.

IF YOU ARE A NON-RESIDENT "ALIEN" PHYSICIAN YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS (ORIGINAL PLUS ONE COPY) WITH YOU AT THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TIME (IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THEM WITH YOU!):

• H-1B’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) I-797, and (5) SS card.

• J-1’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) DS-2019, and (5) SS card.

• B-1/WB’s and B-2/WT’s won’t be eligible to work until they get their H-1B or J-1 status approved.

• F-1’s will need to bring (1) passport, (2) visa, (3) I-94—need to copy both front and back, (4) I-20, (5) OPT card, and (6) SS card.  They must receive their OPT card in order to start working.

• If you were ever on any other status before or were with any other institutions before, Ms. Yoon would like to have a copy of all relevant documents.  For example, old visa(s), I-20’s, DS-2019’s, I-797’s, EAD cards, etc., if applicable.

STEP 3:

• APPLICATION FOR LIMITED NEVADA MEDICAL LICENSE (NV Medical License Application FAQs) is due to me by (DATE TBA)!  ORIGINAL SIGNATURES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED on these forms so please do not email scanned copies back to me.  I must have the original and suggest that you send these documents via FEDERAL EXPRESS or some other form of "trackable" shipping method.

• Review the Board's welcome letter/instruction sheet here (NV State Board of Medical Examiners WELCOME LETTER/INSTRUCTIONS) and the application can be accessed: http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/gme/documents/MDLICENSEAPPLICATION2009-2010.pdf and needs to be completed and returned along with supporting documents. 

• Pursuant to very sensitive time constraints established by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, completed (typed) applications must be in the Program Coordinator's Office by March 25, 2009.

• The application form on the link above enables you to type your information directly to the form.   After completion please print and sign as well as obtain necessary notary procedures.   We cannot accept handwritten or incomplete applications (including forms submitted without the required support documents (i.e., your birth certificate, etc.).  Please make sure all of the required documents accompany your completed application.  Mail your original application (created from the link above) and supporting materials addressed to INTERNAL MEDICINE, ATTN: JODI GREENE, 2040 W. Charleston Boulevard, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV  89102 so that it is received by my no later than MARCH 25, 2009 to avoid delays in licensure.  DO NOT send the application directly to the Board as this will delay processing.  PAYMENT of the fee for licensure will be paid by the Internal Medicine Department.

• ADDRESS to be used on the license application should be your CURRENT address for residence and/or mailing.  This is the address that the Board will use to notify you of any conditions that need to be fulfilled before they will issue your license.  The "condition" letter will be sent out to you prior to your arrival in Las Vegas for orientation.

• The Completed Authorization for Criminal Background Investigation Release is not the same as Form A.  It is a separate form that will be sent to you by the NV State Board of Medical Examiners when they receive your application and process it.  Your Licensing Specialist will write you an “Acknowledgement Letter” (sent to your mailing address listed on the application) which will outline any corrections to the application or missing items that must be received by the Nevada Medical Board in order to complete the processing of your application.  It will include the Authorization for Criminal Background Investigation Release in addition to the Fingerprinting Card that you must use to submit your fingerprinting as required.  Please do not go and have fingerprinting done before receiving this letter and card from the medical board.

• If you are a foreign-born, Non US Citizen you will need to provide copies of both sides of your Alien Registration Card, Employment Authorization (Work Authorization Card or WAC No.) or your Visa.  If you do not have a current visa but are applying for one you will need to put the type of visa you are applying for on the appropriate blank for question No. 6 of the NSBME Application.

• Visa letters (letters required for Visa applications) will NOT be provided by the NSBME UNTIL the applicant's official medical school transcripts and diploma are received and verified by the Board.  Please send your FORM 1 directly to your medical school IMMEDIATELY and make sure they process it quickly to get these documents to the NSBME.

• PLEASE NOTE: Keep a copy of the application for records as some of the supporting materials may be requested again.

• The Board's License Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time to handle inquiries regarding applications for licensure.  The NSBME can be reach at 775-688-2559.   The Licensing Specialist who will handle your application for licensure is assigned based upon your last name.  Should your last name begin with the:

• Letter A, B or C, you will be assigned to Deputy Chief of Licensing Carolyn Castleman (phone extension "233").

• Letter D, E, F, G, or H, you will be assigned to License Specialist Brandi Matt (phone extension "255").

• Letter I, J, K, L, or M, you will be assigned to License Specialist License Specialist Kristi Stewart (phone extension "228").

• Letter N, O, P, Q, R or S, you will be assigned to License Specialist Brett Canady (phone extension "231").

• Letter T, U, V, W, X, Y or Z, you will be assigned to Chief of Licensing Lynnette Daniels (phone extension "223").

STEP 4:

• All other UNSOM, UMC and VA credentialing and privileging documents/applications as listed on the GME site BEGINNING WITH THE STEP III instructions (Steps I and II are covered on this webpage above).  (CLICK HERE to go to GME site) which must be retuned to INTERNAL MEDICINE, ATTN:  JODI GREENE no later than (DATE TBA). 

STEP 5:

• VACATION REQUEST FORM and ELECTIVE REQUEST FORM (Vacation Request Form FAQ): 

• Vacation is split into a 2 week slot and a 1 week slot.  Any 3 week vacation slots must be pre-approved by the program director, Dr. Wahi.

• The program DOES give preference to the PRELIMINARY  residents for vacation time at the end of June.  Because preliminary residents often need the time to relocate, go through orientation in their new program or other inconveniences, they are allowed to take either their one week block or two week block of vacation at the end of June.

• Some subspecialty rotations will be assigned by the new chief residents and are based on the proposed rotation schedule for the program year.  If you have a particular preference, you can request it and they can try to accommodate your request if possible.  Please remember that not all requests can be accommodated based upon the number of residents in the program.

• Many subspecialties MUST be done in 4 week slots as a departmental requirement.  There are various electives (such as Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Allergy/Immunology) that can be done in a 2 week slot.  If there are specific subspecialties you had in mind for this particular question, please request that on your electives form.

• Interns are allocated two elective/selective rotations in the PGY1 year.

• Complete the form(s) here FORM - VACATION Request Form PGY 1 2009-10 as well as any special requests or circumstances, which you feel are relevant regarding time off. The form also provides space for your (s)elective choices.  You will type an “X” in the column appropriate to your 2 or 3 week selection. Return this form to INTERNAL MEDICINE, ATTN: JODI GREENE by April 1, 2010 along with all of your other hiring documentation.

STEP 6:

• BLS/ACLS REGISTRATION FORM (ACLS/BLS FAQ).  Complete the form here FORM - BLS-ACLS Registration-Exemption Request.  All residents must have BLS/ACLS certification to practice medicine at our affiliate hospitals and clinics. BLS and ACLS certification are built into your Orientation Week and you are exempt from this training ONLY if you have CURRENT certification that extends through JUNE 2010. 

• Books for studying are available for “check out” from the Internal Medicine Department and can be picked up upon your arrival to Las Vegas anytime after April 15, 2009.

• If you are currently certified, you must send a copy of your card(s) front and back along with the registration form. If you are NOT certified, you will automatically enrolled in the BLS/ACLS certification course scheduled for Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26, 2010 (See Orientation Schedule below). Return this form to INTERNAL MEDICINE, ATTN: JODI GREENE by (DATE TBA) along with all of your other hiring documentation.

STEP 7:

• ESTABLISHING A HOME RESIDENCE IN LAS VEGAS.  As a courtesy, I have been working with a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent who has agreed to assist inbound interns with securing housing upon arriving to town.  I have updated her on the circumstances involved in residency, including salary, etc. and she is willing to assist you all with locating and securing a residence so that when you arrive in Las Vegas the transition is as easy as possible for you. Additionally, she has my information in case she needs to reach me directly and she will do what is needed to get you settled in Las Vegas in the least stressful manner possible! 

• Her name is Dawn Page and she is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Prudential Americana Group.  She is very busy, so call her as soon as you possibly can to start getting email information regarding housing.  She is aware that some of you will want to rent and some will buy (she works with homes mostly).  While she is a realtor she is also attempting to establish corporate discounts with apartment and condominium properties nearby the hospital to help our residents save money, too.)  So, whether you are looking for a home or an apartment, Dawn is willing to provide you with information either way.  Make sure that you tell her that you are with the University of Nevada School of Medicine as she has promised to make special time for our group. 

Dawn Page: (702) 807-8928 or by email to DawnLPage@gmail.com.  Her company webpage can be viewed at www.page-graulichteam.agentplace.com.

• Apartment information can also be located at www.apartmentguide.com, however discounts can or will not be offered to UNSOM residents through this website.  Some of the more popular apartments, according to current and past residents are:

The Sandpiper                            702.877.9853

Indian Hills                                 702.878.4820

The Palms at Peccole Ranch        702.233.0677

Summer Hill Pointe                     866.690.5146

• These can be viewed on www.apartmentguide.com and are an easy drive to the hospital. 

• ADDRESS CHANGES PRIOR TO START DATE:  Please keep the program updated with changes to your address as soon as you establish residency in Las Vegas.

STEP 8:

• ADDITIONAL things you will have to take care of when you arrive in Las Vegas:

• SOCIAL SECURITY CARD: Information on how to obtain your social security card can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.  LAS VEGAS RESIDENTS MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT THE LAS VEGAS OFFICE!!!  NOTE:  Visaholders, please see me upon arrival at Orientation Week to discuss how to get your Social Security Card.  IF YOU APPLY TOO EARLY IT WILL CAUSE A BIGGER DELAY!!

• NEVADA DRIVER'S LICENSE:  Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you have 30 days after arriving within which to get a Nevada State Driver's License.  The Visit the State's Department of Motor Vehicles is open on weekends.  Visit their website for more information:  http://www.dmvnv.com/newresident.htm.

• NEVADA VEHICLE REGISTRATION:  Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you have 60 days to register your vehicle. The fine for failing to register is $250 - $500. With so many people relocating to Las Vegas, this is a law the state takes seriously.  Visit the State's DMV website for more information:  http://www.dmvnv.com/newresident.htm 

• UTILITIES:  To set up all of your necessary utilities (i.e. electricity, natural gas, telephone, etc.) you can visit the Chamber of Commerce relocation guide online at http://www.lvchamber.com/relocation/utilities.html

If you are missing any of the items listed above, have any technical difficulties with any part of the UNSOM website or you have ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, please contact Jodi Greene immediately at (702) 671-2358 (my mobile telephone number is provided to you in the very first email you received from me) or by email to jjgreene@medicine.nevada.edu or Elizabeth "Liz" Gutierrez at (702) 671-2341 or by email at ELGutierrez@medicine.nevada.edu.

2009 Orientation Week Schedule (2010 schedule being created!):

For a complete view of the schedule and daily agendas, please view the following itinerary:

Orientation Week Itinerary Multi Page with maps

As the Orientation Schedule provides above, Internal Medicine Orientation Week begins on Monday, June 22, 2009 and extends through June 30, 2009.  You will be receiving more information at orientation.

Remember, please check this webpage often as I will be updating it with more information regarding Orientation Week activities and/or requirements!  Additions to the page will always be added at the top of the page with a date header to let you know when it was added.  Thank you all and please feel free to give me suggestions if you would like to see something added here!

Thank you!!

Jodi Greene

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

VISA APPLICATIONS:

J-1:

Q:  Who do I contact to get help with my J-1 paperwork?

A: You should contact the ECFMG | Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP) to get specific help or questions answered.

H-1B:

Q:  I didn't know about the fees for the visa application.  Do I need to send in the fee payment with the application now or can I send it later? 

A:  You need to send the payment with the application or the application will not be processed until the fees are received.  The deadline is established to ensure that your Visa is approved and issued prior to your start date of July 1, but also early enough for you to start orientation timely, too.  A personal check is acceptable and will not be cashed for at least a week or more from the day you send it to me for processing.

______________

Q:  Who do I contact to help me get my H-1B paperwork started?

A:  It is your choice to use a private attorney or the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Nevada, Reno.  The OISS charges a fee of $1,200.00 to assist you with your petition for H-1B status.  A private attorney may cost you more. 

______________

Q:  Do I need to do anything with the "Department Forms" listed on the OISS site?

A:  The "Department Forms" do need to be filled in by you as much as possible.  The majority of the information has already been filled in by me but I need you to assist with the rest so that I can expedite the forms once I receive them in the IM Office in Las Vegas.

LICENSING APPLICATION:

Q:  One of the checklists says we have to send a Completed Authorization for Criminal Background Investigation Release.  Is that the same as Form A?  If not, how do I get that form?

A:  The Completed Authorization for Criminal Background Investigation Release is NOT the same as Form A.  It is a separate form that will be sent to you by the NV State Board of Medical Examiners when they receive your application and process it. 

Your Licensing Specialist will write you an “Acknowledgement Letter” (sent to your mailing address listed on the application) which will outline any corrections to the application or missing items that must be received by the Nevada Medical Board in order to complete the processing of your application.  It will include the Authorization for Criminal Background Investigation Release PLUS the Fingerprinting Card that you must use to submit your fingerprinting as required. 

Please do not go and have fingerprinting done before receiving this letter and card from the medical board.

______________

Q:  What address do I put on the application for my mailing and home address since I am not in Las Vegas yet?

A:  You need to list your CURRENT home and mailing address on the application.  The Board uses this address to reach you with any challenges with your application or conditions they need you meet prior to issuing your license.

______________

Q:  The deadline is March 25th but I am worried that my transcripts and diploma won't be received by the NSBME on time.  What should I do?

A:  The deadline of March 25th is for the submission of the intern's portion of the application paperwork and supporting documents to the Residency Program.  The program must in turn verify the application is correctly filled out along with the supporting documents, make a copy for your permanent residency file and attach payment before it is forwarded to NSBME for processing.  The Board knows that the transcript and diploma will be forthcoming at a later date and that is fine.  

Please note:  The Board must receive the Form 1 and Transcripts AFTER you have graduated from Medical School.  The Form 1 and Transcripts must BOTH clearly indicate you have received your Medical Doctor Degree.

______________

Q:  I am supposed to provide my birth certificate with the licensing application.  I have a copy of it at home, can I just send that one in with the application or do I need to get a CERTIFIED copy from the issuing entity?

A:  If you do not have a CERTIFIED copy of the birth certificate already then you will need to contact the Vital Statistics or Birth Records office of the county you were born in to get a CERTIFIED COPY sent directly to the Board.  This document will be returned to YOU as soon as the Board has verified its authenticity.   If you are an U.S. Born Citizen a notarized copy of your U.S. Passport or submitting your U.S. Passport is not acceptable.  You MUST submit a certified copy of your birth certificate, which is returned to you.

______________

Q:  On page 2 of the application, question number 15 asks for "Place Where Instruction Received".  What do I write in that blank?

A:  "Place Where Instruction Received" refers to medical schools with multiple campuses where you could have trained.  If you completed your training in a school that only has one campus, please put "SAME" in this space.  

______________

Q:  Is the FORM 1 " VERIFICATION OF MEDICAL EDUCATION" only for US Medical Schools or do I need to send this to my medical school overseas?

A:  This form is for ALL MEDICAL SCHOOL training regardless of whether it is a domestic or foreign school.  This form must be signed someone authorized to sign on behalf of the Office of Admissions or Records at your medical school and sent directly to the NSBME.  Delays in sending this to your school can cause serious delays in your application process.

______________

Q:  The NV State Board of Medical Examiners ("NSBME") is asking for official medical school transcripts.  I already have copies of the diploma and transcript.  Can I just send them to you myself?  Or does my medical school have to send it to someone directly?

A:  Form 1 AND the official medical school transcript where all of your professional medical instruction was received (if transcripts are not in English, an original, certified and official English translation is required!) and must be sent from the medical school directly to the NSBME or it will be rejected by the Board upon receipt.

______________

Q:  The application is asking for the "exact date of issuance" on several questions.  Can I just put the month and year because I do not know the exact date?

A:  If you do not put down the exact date of issuance it could cause delays in processing of your application.  It is best for you to try to find the correct date to include.

______________

Q:  On page 4 of the application, question number 26 asks about prior training licenses and/or permits I have held.  Do I put anything in this section?

A:  You will only answer this question if you have held a training license or permit in the past.  Regardless of where it was issued.

______________

Q:  Do I need to complete Form B or Form 6?  I don't know if this applies to me as they are both related to medical malpractice claims.

A:  If you answered question number 12 on page -2- of the application with a "YES" then you will need to complete Form B AND Form 6 must be signed in the Release portion and sent off to the carriers.  If you answered question 12 with "NO" then you do not have to do these forms.

______________

Q:  Do I need to complete Form 2?  I do not know what this is for.

A:  If you have ever been in a Graduate Medical Education program prior to starting here at UNSOM, you must provide this form to that program for their completion and certification of your past training there.  They will need to send it directly to the Board.

______________

Q:  Do I need to complete Form 3?  I have never had a medical license anywhere before.

A:  If you have never been issued a medical license in the past you can disregard this form.

______________

Q:  Do I need to complete Form 5?  I am not sure what this is.

A:  If you have ever had staff privileges at any hospital you will need to sign the release in the bottom right corner in front of a notary and provide the name and address of the hospital in the upper left corner.  Include this form with your application packet to the program and it will be forwarded with your application to the Board from the program directly.

VACATION REQUEST/SCHEDULE:

Q:  Can I take all three blocks of my vacation in a row concurrently?

A:  Vacation is split into a 2 week slot and a 1 week slot.  Any 3 week vacation slots must be pre-approved by the program director, Dr. Wahi.

______________

Q:  As a preliminary resident can I take my two week block of vacation at the end of the program year?

A:  Yes, the program does give preference to the preliminary residents for vacation time at the end of June.  Because preliminary residents often need the time to relocate, go through orientation in their new program or other inconveniences, they are allowed to take either their one week block or two week block of vacation at the end of June.

ELECTIVE ROTATION REQUESTS:

Q:  How are the subspecialty rotations assigned?

A:  Some subspecialties will be assigned by the new chief residents and are based on the proposed rotation schedule for the program year.  If you have a particular preference, you can request it and they can try to accommodate your request if possible.  Please remember that not all requests can be accommodated based upon the number of residents in the program.

______________

Q:  Is it possible to do my elective(s) in four different subspecialties for two weeks each?

A:  Many subspecialties MUST be done in 4 week slots as a departmental requirement.  There are various electives (such as Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Allergy/Immunology) that can be done in a 2 week slot.  If there are specific subspecialties you had in mind for this particular question, please request that on your electives form.

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Q:  Are those one month rotations or just 2 weeks?

A:  Many subspecialties MUST be done in 4 week slots as a departmental requirement.  There are various electives (such as Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Allergy/Immunology) that can be done in a 2 week slot. 

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Q:  How many elective and/or selective rotations do we get in the preliminary year?

A:  Interns are allocated two elective/selective rotations in the PGY1 year.

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Q:  In the third page (Appendix B) do I fill in the dates proposed, the number of preference or just an X?

A:  You will type an “X” in the column appropriate to your 2 or 3 week selection.

ACLS and BLS TRAINING:

Q: Does the program provide for ACLS and BLS training?

A:  Yes, it's part of orientation in June, and the program will arrange for re-certification prior to your third year.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND MATERIALS:

CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OR EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION LETTER:

Q:  How can I get a copy of the employment contract or a letter of employment from the department?

A:  A "sample" of the Terms of Appointment (contract) is available on the GME website.  However, as a resident you will not receive your actual contract until the UNSOM Orientation day scheduled for June 29, 2009.  If you need a letter of employment verification for purposes of obtaining a residence or credit for utility companies, etc., please submit a request to me, via EMAIL and I will prepare a Letter of Intent to Employ for you to use until your contract is fully executed by all required parties.

IRRELEVANT FORMS OR PAPERWORK:

Q:  There are forms and documentation requested or questions that do not relate to me.  Do I write "N/A" on it or just leave it blank?

A:  If a form or document requested does not apply to you, you can write "N/A" across it and return with the other paperwork.  If a question doesn't relate to you, you can write "N/A" in the blank.

ROTATION SCHEDULE:

Q:  When can I get my schedule for the next program year?

A: The Chief Residents selected for the next program year are working on the schedules but cannot complete it until all vacation and elective selections have been returned by all current residents AND inbound interns.  When the schedule is available, it will be posted to another portion of the Internal Medicine website and can be accessed with a password which will be provided to you at a later date.

MOONLIGHTING POLICY

Q:  Is moonlighting allowed?

A:  No, moonlighting is not allowed under Nevada State law.  Visaholders are especially restricted from moonlighting as it is a violation of your Visa status.  In any case, it would be problematic for any program to allow and still meet ACGME guidelines of a maximum 80 hour work week.