Division of Colorectal Surgery

Fatigue / Relief from Duty

Due to burdensome work or call schedules, if a resident feels that he/she is overly fatigued or is in any other way unable to function at an appropriate level, that resident should notify the chief resident or attending(s) on their service so that alternative coverage arrangements may be made. The affected resident should then be allowed adequate time to rest or sleep so that they may resume their duties at the earliest possible time. This policy does not imply, however, that residents may use their scheduled time off-duty unwisely, not obtaining necessary rest and sleep, and then expect that they can be excused from duty under this clause. This is especially true if a resident engages in an outside activity such as moonlighting. Residents who note excessive fatigue or impaired performance in another resident are expected to bring this matter to the attention of the resident and the appropriate people in charge to ensure that adequate patient care is provided.