Emergency Physicians: HHS Conscience Rule Puts Patient Safety at Risk

July 20, 2019

WILMINGTON, DE - Hahnemann University Hospital, the primary teaching hospital for Drexel University College of Medicine, will be allowed to sell its 570+ residency and fellowship slots to the highest bidder as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings, according to a ruling issued July 19.

The hospital's closure was announced in June, throwing the fate of its trainees into limbo and leading to a flurry of court filings by the key players in graduate medical education in the United States.

EMRA President Omar Maniya, MD, MBA, and members of the EMRA Board of Directors remain in contact with the Drexel community, offering support while working within organized medicine to help residents navigate this uncertain landscape.

"Even as the situation changes daily, we are unwavering in our commitment to doing everything possible to support the residents," Dr. Maniya said. "Unlike other employees, Resident Physicians are uniquely dependent upon GME funding and experience significantly less flexibility in choosing where and under which conditions they train. For these reasons, EMRA strongly supports flexibility in accreditation and funding, which should follow the potentially displaced residents, to allow them the best possible chance to choose where they complete their training."

EMRA released the following statement:

"EMRA is saddened to hear of the impending closure of Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia's historic safety net hospital and training home to hundreds of Drexel University resident and fellow physicians including 45 emergency medicine residents and 3 toxicology fellows.

"We urge EM programs around the country to accommodate displaced trainees where possible. EMRA applauds the work of the ACGME, CORD, AMA, and the EM community in supporting these residents, and has been in touch with each of these groups to advocate for residents and fellows. We also call for flexibility in transferring resident funding so that residents have the option to choose the best option for them. EMRA has also reached out the the Drexel EM community to offer its full support as the program and trainees find a solution to continue their commitment to education and patient care. We stand ready to assist in any way, shape, or form."

EMRA is the voice of emergency medicine physicians-in-training and the future of our specialty. EMRA is the largest and oldest independent resident organization in the world. EMRA was founded in 1974 and today has a membership of more than 16,000 residents, medical students, and alumni.