A Fellow In Need of Support

Hello, everyone.

I have spent the last year of my fellowship trying to salvage my dream with roadblocks from my program along the way. I am currently in a three-year fellowship program. I was placed on probation without warning halfway through my second year of training. As you can imagine, I was shocked at the action, which they justified by saying I am not progressing technically and clinically. The terms of my probation were that it would end if I demonstrated improvement and progression but were very vague regarding specifics.

Despite the lack of support, roadblocks, and mental exhaustion I was subjected to, I made progress and was above average on my in-training exam. Unfortunately, I was then told 4 months prior to the end of my fellowship, that I would not be graduating and that they would not recommend me for board eligibility. My program then proceeded to say they would also not extend my contract to give me more time. I was then informed that If I found another program to accept me, they would facilitate the transfer. I managed to secure a program that would accept me for further training. Once this was done, my current fellowship program decided that they would no longer facilitate a meaningful transfer. This back and forth has cost me time and with little to no progress.

I have also reached out to the GME office, but the office supports the fellowship director and has provided no advocacy. I have asked for my records and evaluations (the program evaluates you after each surgical procedure), but they refuse to release any of my records to me.

I am pleading for assistance to raise the funds to cover my legal fees so I can pursue action against the program. Please help me by donating to my cause. The current retainer is at least $3000, and I am anticipating that there will be other fees as the case continues. As of now, I am currently without any job prospects at the end of my fellowship program. I have chosen to remain anonymous because identifying my fellowship type, location, and gender will potentially expose me to my program. I have asked Dr. Bell to create the GoFundMe to maintain my anonymity. I appreciate your support and any assistance you can provide.