Residency program guides can be a very helpful tool for doctors in training. Most programs have a guide that has been developed over a long period of time with a lot of information being added through experience and necessity. If you are starting a new program, you might not have a good idea of where to even start putting one together. What do the residents need?

Most start off with an introduction from the program director usually with a mission statement to set a positive tone for achievement in the program. After that, it’s good to include a directory of the residents and staff. Some include photos which is especially nice if you have a large program or a program that is geographically spread out.

Policies and procedures are the main part of most guides, and they may vary slightly between programs and hospitals. Generally they cover the same topics like professionalism, appearance, recurring meetings, duty hours and any other guidelines that everyone should strictly adhere to. The more commonly used sections include helpful procedural notes, didactics and other learning materials.

If you are using an electronic or mobile guide that can be updated, including your schedules would be a great way to consolidate information into one place. Of course that will depend on how you prefer to do your schedule and ease of integration between the two. It can be done though!

Chances are you’ll cover everything….almost. There will likely always be questions that lead to more ideas and revisions for your guide. It is a living document that evolves year after year.