Benefits
Benefits
A Community of Partners
Embedded Files
We hope this website helps to clarify employment and benefits for medical residents and fellows participating in University of Minnesota-sponsored Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. We outline the three possible employment scenarios and provide essential information to help you understand your benefits.
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below
Except NIH grant funded residents and fellows which have exceptions as noted
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization.
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota as an instructor fellow.
Office of Student Health Benefits (OSHB) | University of Minnesota
Office of Student Health Benefits (OSHB) | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below. YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. NO, consult employer
Health Insurance | Open Enrollment May 1- June 15
Disability Insurance | Auto Enrollment through employment at the University
Disability Insurance Group, Short term, Long Term
Gym Discount | Must be on OSHB Health Plan
Wellness
Online Care | Doctor on Demand
Online Health and Wellbeing Platform | Sharecare Online
Online Mental Health Resource | Learn to Live, wellness assessment
Office of Student Health Benefits | Individual Disability (GSI) | Individual Enrollment
Office of Student Health Benefits | Individual Disability (GSI) | Individual Enrollment
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Individual Disability
Vital Worklife | Resident & Fellow Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | University of Minnesota Physicians | Community Partner
Vital Worklife | Resident & Fellow Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | University of Minnesota Physicians | Community Partner
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. No, consult employer
Provider Well-Being Resources
Provider Well-Being Resources
VITAL WorkLife offers a range of resources aimed at supporting the well-being of medical residents. Here is an overview of the resources available and how to access them:
Solution Components
Solution Components
Tools to Build Resiliency and Resolve Burnout
Legal Resources
Financial Resources
Leadership Development
Trained Well-Being Advocates
Digital Resources: VITAL WorkLife App & Member Website
Time-Saving Virtual WorkLife Concierge
Counseling & In-the-Moment Support
Peer Coaching
Peer Coaching
Up to 6 confidential coaching sessions per incident with physician and APP peer coaches.
Sessions are confidential and flexible, with referrals to therapeutic providers if needed.
Coaches cover a wide range of medical specialties and focus areas such as stress/burnout, leadership development, and work/life balance.
Counseling & Behavioral Health Support
Counseling & Behavioral Health Support
Senior level licensed behavioral health professionals provide up to 6 counseling sessions, available virtually or in-person.
Unlimited in-the-moment support available 24/7/365.
Non-diagnostic but can refer for psychological or psychiatric evaluations.
Available to extended family members.
Parent Coaching
Parent Coaching
Six coaching sessions per incident with experts in child development and behavior, available telephonically or virtually.
WorkLife Concierge
WorkLife Concierge
Virtual assistant service offering help with tasks like meal-prep delivery, relocation services, errands, entertainment tickets, household projects, travel planning, and more.
Legal & Financial Resources
Legal & Financial Resources
30-minute free legal consultation for family issues, property & contracts, criminal offenses, and personal injury.
Unlimited, free, and confidential financial consultations for budgeting, estates & wills, debt management, and more.
Digital Resources
Digital Resources
Vital WorkLife App: Assess well-being, access resources, schedule coaching, read articles, watch videos, and set personal goals.
Member Website: Access benefit information, manager resources, online seminars, articles, legal & financial resources, and more.
How to Access
How to Access
Vital WorkLife App
Download from your app store.
Register by entering your preferred email, a password of your choosing, and the company username: umnresidents.
Member Website
Go to VITALWorkLife.com and log in using:
Username: umnresidents
Password: vitalworklife
Contact Vital WorkLife
Call 877.731.3949 for assistance anytime, day or night.
For troubleshooting or help with registration, contact VITAL WorkLife at 320.223.7220 and ensure to enter your Company Username exactly as provided, with no spaces.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Download the VITAL WorkLife App from your app store:
Access work/life resources and more detailed information via the Member Website.
Office of Human Resources | University of Minnesota
Office of Human Resources | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows No, see NIH Loan Forgiveness Program
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. No, consult employer
Fidelity - Optional Retirement Plan
Optional retirement plans are available through the Office of Human Resources. For more information regarding these plans, please contact the Office of Human Resources directly by emailing ohr@umn.edu or calling 612-624-8647 or 1-800-756-2363.
Contact Jason Callin or Evelyn Rhines to come speak to your program virtually: jason.callin@fmr.com or evelyn.rhines@fmr.com
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Follow the process outlined on this document to get your PSLF loan signed by the Central Office of Human Resources
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Open Enrollment in November
LSS Financial
Financial counseling is available from LSS Financial to help you consolidate payments, protect your home, improve your credit, budget, and pay off loans. This service is available to medical residents and fellows.
Call LSS: 1-800-528-2926
Coaching with Carolyn | Office of Graduate Medical Education
Coaching with Carolyn | Office of Graduate Medical Education
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
What? The Office of Graduate Medical Education offers professional coaching.
Who? Carolyn Hildebrandt, the GME Organizational Development Manager
Example of topics: Interpersonal relationships with care teams, attendings, other trainees, handling critical feedback, time management and prioritizing, conflict, career decision making, leadership, etc.
Carolyn is a licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience in healthcare systems with coaching and developing people.
Bright Horizons| University of Minnesota Physicians | Community Partner
Bright Horizons| University of Minnesota Physicians | Community Partner
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Bright Horizons (Childcare, Eldercare, Tutoring) | Under "Personal Care Needs"
Metro Minnesota Council on Graduate Medical Education (MMCGME) | Community Partner
Metro Minnesota Council on Graduate Medical Education (MMCGME) | Community Partner
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota as an instructor fellow. YES
The Metro Minnesota Council on Graduate Medical Education (MMCGME) develops community within graduate medical education in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. Our mission is to strengthen collaboration with GME through centralized state-of-the-art information systems, critical administrative processes, core curricula, and universal policies that promote member organization’s teaching programs.
RMS/New Innovations |Training Records, Block Scheduling, Onboarding
MMCGME Events | Story Slam, & Quality Forum
Parking and Transportation | University of Minnesota
Parking and Transportation | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES, not payroll eligible (CHECK WITH P & T)
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Residents and Fellows employed by the University have access to the University of Minnesota student Universal Transit Pass (UTP).
Must opt in and pay by:
Expand the section "Determine your eligibility"
Under, "If you do not pay", click the "To opt in and pay, use this portal.
Once your UCard is activated by Parking and Transportation you can start using your UCard as your transit pass for light rail, bus routes and the Northstar (up to Ramsey Station with no additional fees, additional Northstar fees north of Ramsey)
Office of Disability Resources | University of Minnesota
Office of Disability Resources | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
A division of Disability Resource Center, UReturn is the office designated to serve all employees with any disability or medical condition requiring accommodations or workstation adjustments. UReturn obtains and confidentially maintains medical documents, certifies eligibility for services, recommends workstation adjustments or reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of these accommodations and adjustments for employees with illness or injury. As a neutral party, specialists assist employees and their supervisors in implementing appropriate accommodations/adjustments.
ureturn@umn.edu
612-624-3316
Hours: M - F 8am-4:30pm
Office of Risk Management | University of Minnesota
Office of Risk Management | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. NO
Workers' Compensation
Medical Malpractice Credentialing and Insurance Verification / Liability Insurance / Tail Coverage
CV Writing and Help | School of Public Health
CV Writing and Help | School of Public Health
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Contact: Vic Massaglia Director, victorm@umn.edu
1:1 CV help
Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing | University of Minnesota
Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Mindful Mondays - free weekly virtual mindfulness and gentle movement sessions held over the noon hour. These are recorded for those interested in reviewing when it's convenient for them.
Wellbeing & Resilience for Physicians The program can be accessed individually or offered to programs. We offer a discussion guide with this program for those who wish to lead discussions on the topics - something that has been found by residents and others to be one of the most valuable aspects of the program. We are also available to lead discussions for residency programs.
You Do Matter - quick and accessible resources in support of those on the front lines, including those in healthcare.
Free monthly Wellbeing Webinars on a variety of topics to virtual Wellbeing Workshops including an upcoming mental health and nutrition series coming up in March. Under the Community section of csh.umn.edu.
Free Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing website is a great free resource: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/
UCard | University of Minnesota
UCard | University of Minnesota
Who has access?
Who has access?
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are eligible for all of the benefits listed below YES
NIH grant funded residents and fellows YES
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. YES
Access to University building, transit pass, libraries, discount tickets, ADCS computer labs, etc.
More information on UCards
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Information
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Information
Who pays
Who pays
Residents and fellows employed by the University of Minnesota are Non-Exempt
NIH grant funded residents and fellows Exempt
Residents and fellows sponsored by the University of Minnesota employed through a different organization. Non-Exempt
History of FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)
History of FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) was enacted in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act to provide funding for Social Security and Medicare programs. These programs were established to ensure financial support for retired individuals, disabled workers, and certain dependents and survivors.
FICA requires employers and employees to contribute a percentage of wages to these programs:
Social Security: Provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Medicare: Funds hospital insurance for people aged 65 or older and some younger individuals with disabilities.
FICA contributions are mandatory for most employees and employers, with the current contribution rates (as of 2024):
Social Security: 6.2% of wages (up to the wage base limit).
Medicare: 1.45% of wages (no limit).
FICA Exemptions
FICA Exemptions
Certain groups, including specific categories of students and medical residents, may be FICA-exempt if they meet specific criteria. However, exemptions depend on circumstances, such as:
Employment at academic institutions where individuals are enrolled as full-time students.
Fellowships or stipends not considered "employment" under IRS definitions.
Some nonresident aliens under F, J, M, or Q visas.
University of Minnesota | FICA clarification - January 25, 2012
The IRS refunds referenced in the news today (January 2012) are not applicable to the University of Minnesota residents and fellows. The refunds referred to in the news are for the period of time prior to April 1, 2005. From 1998 to April 1, 2005, the University did not require residents and fellows to pay FICA taxes so no refunds are available. The University did receive refunds for the 1992-98 period, but those funds were distributed to residents and fellows many years ago.
Current IRS/FICA status
In compliance with final IRS regulations the University withheld the employer and employee portion of FICA from April 1, 2005 forward, and initiated a case against the United States of America, that was eventually heard by the US Supreme Court. On January 11, 2011 The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of the Treasury Department and against the University of Minnesota and Mayo. This means that the Mayo and University refund claims are denied and NO refunds will be available to residents.
We continue to withhold the employer and employee portion of FICA today, in compliance with the IRS regulations, and we are not entitled to any further refunds.
For more information about the FICA case contact:
Office of General Counsel
University of Minnesota
Transition to Practice
Transition to Practice
Choosing a Practice Setting
American Medical Association (AMA)
Credentialing
American Medical Association (AMA)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Resources
University of Minnesota Medical School Curriculum Vitae Template and Resources
CV Template (Updated March 1, 2019)
The University of Minnesota's Center for Writing offers free help, and they have quick guides for common writing projects that include CV writing.
New England Journal of Medicine - Articles
Creating a Physician CV That Shines: https://www.nejmcareercenter.org/article/creating-a-physician-cv-that-shines/?s=16
Resident/Fellow Career Guide (November 2019): https://www.nejmcareercenter.org/article/career-guide-residents-and-fellows-november-2019-edition/?s=8
Developing a CV: Creating a map of your career journey - Video featuring Maija Braaten and Luke Feuling Porter that provides a thorough overview of the CV development process and essential elements when creating a customized CV.
Developing a CV: Creating a map of your career journey - Video featuring Maija Braaten and Luke Feuling Porter that provides a thorough overview of the CV development process and essential elements when creating a customized CV.
CV development workshop handouts and resources - checklists, power verbs, examples of effective and ineffective CVs, and more
CV development workshop handouts and resources - checklists, power verbs, examples of effective and ineffective CVs, and more
Contact: Vic Massaglia Director, victorm@umn.edu
1:1 CV help
American Medical Association (AMA)
CV Writing Tips: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/cv-writing-101-tips-medical-residents-entering-job-market
Five things employers look for in CV: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/5-things-employer-looking-residents-cv
Employment Contracting Resources
Recording from March 2021 at University of Minnesota
Contract-Employment: https://mediaspace.umn.edu/media/t/1_lccfwngk
Minnesota Medical Association (MMA)
Physician employment contracting materials: https://www.mnmed.org/resources/Employment-Contracting
American Medical Association (AMA)
6 questions to consider before signing an employment contract: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/6-questions-consider-signing-employment-contract
Vital Worklife (EAP)
Legal Resources for Contract Negotiation
Minnesota Bar Association
Claire Topp, Partner, Dorsey and Whitney (Speaker at 8/21/24 session)
Greg Stenmoe, Partner, Taft (Note: Recommendation came from Stacey DeKalb who is now retired but gave the employment contract talk in the video available on the main website.)
Vital Worklife (EAP)
Interviewing and Job Search Resources
External to the U of M, this specifically looks at the interview:
Resources from New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM):
Good one for interview questions to ask from a physician recruiter:
This article focuses on that first job search:
Job Interviews via Zoom
American Medical Association (AMA)
4 tips for job-seeking resident physicians to nail Zoom interviews: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/4-tips-job-seeking-resident-physicians-nail-zoom-interviews
Managing your Finances - Debt
Recording from March 2021 at University of Minnesota
Personal Financial: https://mediaspace.umn.edu/media/t/1_y6u0t30t
American Medical Association (AMA)
7 Ways to Reduce Medical School Debt: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/7-ways-reduce-medical-school-debt
Manage Medical Student Loans: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/career-planning-resource/manage-medical-student-loans
3 Things Physicians should know about Saving During Residency: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/resident-student-finance/3-things-physicians-should-know-about-saving-during?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_term=7212021&utm_content=21-9998+MedEd+Update+072121&utm_campaign=MedEd_Email_Newsletter_MedEdUpdate_072121&utm_uid=10358807&utm_effort=
Managing Your Medical Career
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Resources on managing your medical career at this link:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/training-residency-fellowship/managing-your-medical-career/
American Medical Association (AMA)
4 Must-Haves for your First Physician Job after Residency Training, link: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/4-must-haves-your-first-physician-job-after-residency?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_term=3182021&utm_content=21-9998+MedEd+Update+031721&utm_campaign=MedEd_Email_Newsletter_MedEdUpdate_021721&utm_uid=&utm_effort=
Medical Licensure
American Medical Association (AMA)
Obtaining a Medical License: https://www.ama-assn.org/residents-students/transition-practice/obtaining-medical-license
Navigating the Transition
New England Journal of Medicine Article:
Navigating the Transition from Residency to Physician Practice: https://www.nejmcareercenter.org/article/navigating-the-transition-from-residency-to-physician-practice/
Visa Resources
Immigration Lawyers, The often University works with Fredrickson Law Firm
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Website: J1 Waiver
https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area
- to find shortage areas for J1 Waiver
Escalation Pathway for Residents and Fellows
Escalation Pathway for Residents and Fellows
Resident and Fellows should bring forward concerns of possible violations to:
Their program (including but not limited to the program director, associate program director, site director, chief resident, mentor, advisor, vice chair for education or department head).
The Office of Graduate Medical Education, Organizational Development Manager: Carolyn Hildebrandt, Email: hilde308@umn.edu
The Designated Institutional Official by emailing gme@umn.edu.
Anonymous reporting to OGME of any violation can occur via this Qualtrics form.
Anonymous reporting to the UMN compliance office via UReport:
Call 1-866-294-8680
Reports can be anonymously, but you will have the option to include contact information.
This information can also be found on the GME Support Webpage.
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