METHODS: A case-study of education designed to return nonpracticing physicians to clinical activity was undertaken.
RESULTS: Fourteen candidates were accepted into the program. Accepted candidates were appointed special fellows at the university and provided with restricted institutional license and liability coverage. Based on retraining assessment and planned scope of practice, applicants and program directors designed individualized curricula. As trainees demonstrated clinical proficiency, their level of independence increased in a condensed version of the residency training model. Of the 14 accepted candidates, 13 successfully completed the program and are actively engaged in clinical practice. One trainee did not successfully complete the program.
CONCLUSIONS: This reentry program reintroduced clinically inactive physicians into supervised direct patient care. Use of the GME model allowed acceptance of special fellows and provided institutional malpractice coverage for them.