What does PAIRN do for me? PAIRN advocates for all members on matters concerning education, licensing, resident well-being, and influencing health policies that affect you. We also negotiate with the provincial government to improve your contract, salaries and other benefits. The Association responds quickly to your individual and academic needs and to larger issues that affect more than one resident. If you have any issues or concerns about anything to do with your residency program from academic issues to grievances with hospitals, or financial debt, PAIRN will work with you to take necessary actions.

 

Do I have to join PAIRN? Yes. Membership for any persons holding the position of interne, resident or a fellow in any Newfoundland and Labrador hospital must be a member of PAIRN.

 

Who governs PAIRN on my behalf? PAIRN is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive who are charged with carrying out the Association’s mandate while adhering to PAIRN’s constitution. The Executive may do all things necessary to properly administer the affairs of the Association.

 

What are my member fees? PAIRN is funded by our members by means of payroll deduction, commencing on the first pay period following your admission to membership. PAIRN fees are one per cent (1%) of your gross salary, which is automatically deducted from your pay cheque and is tax deductible as professional fees. A portion of these fees are remitted to the national association, CAIR.

 

What is CAIR? The Canadian Association of Internes and Residents (CAIR) is a national organization, comprised of seven provincial housestaff organizations (PAR-BC, PARA, PAIRS, PARIM, PAIRO, PARI-MP & PAIRN), representing approximately 7,500 residents. All Canadian residents, with the exception of those training in Quebec, are members of CAIR through their provincial associations. The CAIR Board of Directors is made up of two voting members from each of the seven provincial housestaff organizations. It meets three times a year to oversee and direct the operation of the executive members and the day-to-day operations of CAIR. To learn more visit www.cair.ca.
 

How much will I be paid? Reference the Salary Scales.

 

What are my health and welfare benefits? A compulsory group insurance plan covers all residents. You are covered for long-term disability insurance under Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Desjardins Financial Security is your provider for medical insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and optional dental insurance. Reference Membership Benefits.

 

Do I have to purchase CMPA? Yes. All members must obtain coverage with the Canadian Medical Protective Association within thirty (30) days of commencement of employment as an interne, resident or fellow in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is your “malpractice insurance” and membership is obligatory while working for Eastern Health. Under the PAIRN contract, Eastern Health will cover the cost of the CMPA annual premium. Residents will have to submit their Expense Claim Form 1 to the Postgraduate Medical Education Office along with proof of receipt indicating payment in full.

 

Where can I find out about PAIRN’s policies and my rights? Reference Your Contract and click on Collective Agreement and PAIRN Constitution.

 

How many hours am I expected to work? The regular daytime duty hours for residents are Monday to Friday, 0800 hours to 1700 hours. Your program director, in consultation with the department concerned, will determine your schedule of academic and service activities. For more information on working hours and hospital duty periods, reference Article 8 of the Collective Agreement. 

 

Can I moonlight? Yes. Moonlighting may be accepted by the Office of Postgraduate Medical Education as long as it has been approved by your program director and the area of practice is the same for which you have been licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information reference Policies.

 

Can I write prescriptions? Only residents who are in their second year of Family Medicine training can be granted a modified provisional license which enables them to write prescriptions. This modified provisional license, however, does not permit all Residents to perform locums.

 

What residency training programs are offered by Memorial University? College of Family Physicians programs offered at Memorial include Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Royal College programs offered at Memorial include Anatomical Pathology, Anesthesia, Diagnostic Radiology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics and Psychiatry. For more information visit Memorial University's Postgraduate Medical Education website. 

 

Can I transfer training programs? If you transfer into another program you will be given credit for the number of completed years of training according to the requirements and regulations of your previous program. Your salary and benefits will not be reduced as a result of a transfer. If you transfer into a Memorial University training program from another university, you shall serve at a level that is usual and normal for the program into which you have transferred.

 

What happens if I don’t agree with my evaluation? Your faculty supervisor will provide you with a written evaluation of all your performances and activities at the end of each rotation or at least every three months. You are required to sign the evaluation form and indicate whether you agree or disagree with the evaluation. You are entitled to contest your evaluation within 10 days of receiving it by submitting a written appeal to your supervisor. If you are unsatisfied with the final decision another appeal can be made within 10 days to your program director. If you are not able to obtain resolution from either your supervisor or program director, contact PAIRN for advice.

 

Can I appeal a dismissal? Yes. There are five levels at which a dismissal decision can be contested including the Program Committee, the Postgraduate Medical Education Committee, the Executive Committee of Faculty Council, the Executive Committee of Senate and the Senate. For more information, reference Section VI of the Evaluation, Promotion and Appeals Policy.

 

How can I become more involved with PAIRN? If you are interested in becoming involved in committees, contract negotiations, or representing your program, then we encourage you to become involved in the Association and to consider running for one of the many positions on the Board of Directors. As a Board member you will receive great exposure to the different components of residency, different organizations within the health care system and the many leaders in health care who you will meet while traveling to national conferences.

 

Please feel free to contact us: 709-777-7118 (24-hour answering machine) Fax 709-777-6968 Email: pairn@mun.ca

 

How can I meet other Residents? Because residents are very busy and often aren't able to participate in community events outside of work hours, PAIRN plans social and family events to help residents unwind and get to know one another. Contact the PAIRN office to learn about the next social event.