Skip to main content
School of Medicine & Dentistry
menu

Compensation and Benefits for Residents & Fellows – Graduate Medical Education

CategoryBenefit
Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice)Professional liability insurance is provided by the University’s insurance program for activities that are required to complete an ACGME-approved program of medical education. The same policy also covers Strong Health moonlighting activities. During rotations to other hospitals, coverage is provided by the affiliated hospital. The coverage form is claims-made and is modified to include “Tail” coverage.
Health Care PlansA choice of two health care plans, effective on the date of appointment. More information on health care plans.
Dental PlansA choice of two dental plans, effective on the date of appointment. More information on dental plans.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Three FSA options are available:
  • Health Care FSA
  • Limited Purpose FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA
More information on Flexible Spending Accounts.
Health Savings Account (HSA)Those enrolled in the YOUR HSA-Eligible health care plan have the option to contribute pre-tax money to an HSA. More information on Health Savings Accounts.
Child Care Subsidy ProgramStarting January 1, 2023, the Child Care Subsidy Program will provide financial assistance by providing annual funds of up to $3,600 a year, depending on total household gross income, to eligible employees to help assist with child care expenses. Eligible faculty and staff whose total household gross income was less than $130,000 in 2021 may apply.
Wellness ProgramThe University’s employee wellness program, Well-U, offers a variety of resources to improve both your emotional and physical health. More information on the wellness program.
Life-Work Connections/EAPProfessional and confidential guidance is provided at no cost for trainees and their immediate family members, up to five times per calendar year.
University-paid Basic Term Life InsuranceCoverage equal to 150% of annual salary, with a minimum of $15,000 ($7,500 if part-time) and a maximum of $50,000 ($25,000 if part-time), immediately upon appointment. Paid for by the University.
Group Universal Life (GUL) InsurancePurchase GUL insurance and elect coverage from one to eight times your annual salary, to a maximum of $1,500,000. More information on group universal life insurance.
Sick Leave Plan for Short-Term DisabilityFull salary is continued during sick leave for up to six (6) months.
Workers’ CompensationBenefits for new and existing workers’ compensation claims will be paid based on NYS Workers’ Compensation regulations rather than coordinated with the sick leave plan for short-term disability.
Long-Term Disability (LTD) PlanURMC provides disability coverage that will pay a monthly benefit in the event of a disability due to a sickness or an injury that starts while you are insured and you are disabled for more than six months. The plan pays 60% of covered income, up to $3,000 per month. Benefits are provided until normal Social Security retirement age. The plan is paid for by the University for trainees. Graduating house staff officers are able to convert to an individual policy, up to $3,000/month, without any medical underwriting.
Medicare Primary Health Care While on LTDFor trainees on LTD, Medicare will become the primary payer for health care expenses for individuals covered under a University Health Care Plan who are eligible for Medicare; the University Health Care Plan will become the secondary payer. Individuals will need to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B as of their Medicare-eligibility effective date.
Business Travel Insurance PlanProvides benefits in case of accidental death, dismemberment, or paralysis while traveling on University business, away from the principal place of employment.
VacationAll ACGME trainees receive four weeks (five weekdays and one weekend) of vacation each contract year. In general, the four weeks should be spread out and used each calendar quarter. Each program has a policy describing how vacation time may be utilized to accommodate activities such as fellowship and employment interviews. Carryover of unused vacation from one contract year to the next is not permitted.
Retirement ProgramTrainees are immediately eligible to make voluntary contributions, up to the IRS limits, but are not eligible to receive a University Direct Contribution. More information on retirement program.
Tuition BenefitsFull-time Strong Memorial Hospital Residents and Fellows are eligible upon appointment for a 95% tuition waiver at the University of Rochester for up to two credit-bearing courses in each relevant period (e.g., semester or quarter). More information on tuition benefits.
Leave of AbsenceThe University provides residents/fellows with a minimum of six weeks of approved medical, parental, and caregiver leave(s) of absence for qualifying reasons that are consistent with applicable laws at least once and at any time during an ACGME-accredited program, starting the day the resident/fellow is required to report. The University provides residents/fellows with at least the equivalent of 100% of their salary for the first six weeks of the first approved medical, parental, or caregiver leave(s) of absence taken and ensures the continuation of health and disability insurance benefits for residents/fellows and their eligible dependents during any approved medical, parental, or caregiver leave(s) of absence.
Effect of Leave on TrainingAny Leave of Absence, Short-Term Disability, or other time off that results in the trainee’s failure to meet the minimum requirements for training time set forth by the appropriate board will result in an extension of the trainee’s training program.
Lab Coats/ScrubsTwo lab coats are provided to new trainees at orientation.
MealsThe GME Office provides a $15/meal allowance for each night a trainee takes in-house, overnight call (minimum 12 hours) in the hospital.
Call RoomsCall rooms are provided for those programs that require their trainees to have in-house, overnight call.
Athletic FacilitiesAll University of Rochester employees are eligible to join the UR Fitness Center. Residents & Fellows may enroll at a reduced fee of $10/month. They may also add membership to the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center on River Campus for $150/year. Employees are also eligible for corporate membership rates at the YMCA of Greater Rochester.
Credit UnionEmployment by the University entitles you to become a member of the Advantage Federal Credit Union.
Life Support TrainingStrong Memorial Hospital will pay for trainee training in BLS, ACLS, ATLS, NRP, or PALS as deemed necessary by the program.
Group Auto & Home InsuranceGroup rates for auto and home insurance policies. Paid for by the resident or fellow through convenient payment options, including payroll or bank account deductions.
University Home Ownership Incentive ProgramEffective August 1, 2024, the University Home Ownership Incentive Program was expanded to the purchase of a new home as a primary residence anywhere within the city of Rochester. Additionally, the financial incentive—provided through a collaboration among the University, the City of Rochester, and participating local lending institutions—increased from $9,000 to $20,000.


For more details on the benefits available at the University of Rochester and their corresponding enrollment deadlines, view the Resident & Fellow benefits summary. Any forms not available online can be obtained by contacting the Benefits Office at 44 Celebration Drive, Suite 2300, Rochester, NY 14627, (585) 275-2084, or benefitoffice@hr.rochester.edu.