Professional Development Fund

Discretionary funds are available with approval of the Program Director for education-related expenses to further development as physicians while in the training program. The Professional Development Fund must be used within the specified academic year.

Professional Development Funds are provided to PGY1s as a lump sum at the beginning of the first year.

These funds will substantially cover the cost of the USMLE or COMLEX III exam which must be passed by the end of PGY2 year. If the house officer has not passed the exam prior to beginning their appointment at Henry Ford Health, test scores are sufficient evidence that the funds have been used for an acceptable purpose. If the house officer has taken the exam prior to beginning their appointment at Henry Ford Health, receipts for acceptable expenses must be provided to the Program Coordinator as evidence that the funds were used for an acceptable purpose to retain the tax-free value of the funds.

Acceptable professional development fund expenses

• Exams (COMLEX III or USMLE III) one time only
• iPads (Wi-Fi purchased through Henry Ford Health and encrypted; once every 36 months)
• Books
• Journal subscriptions
• Scientific/educational videos/CDs/DVDs
• Medically-related computer software and downloads
• Abstract fees for submissions to peer-reviewed publications
• Professional society dues (excludes voluntary contributions)
• Elective rotations and courses; related travel expenses
• Regional, National and International Conferences; related travel expenses (non-participant or participant)
• Medical Missions (not part of curriculum; additional experience)
• Teleconferences
• Review courses
• Medical equipment (i.e., stethoscopes, leaded glasses, etc.) within the first half of the graduate medical education program

Unacceptable professional development stipend expenses

• Equipment that can be used for non-medical purposes
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Computer hardware (i.e., a computer, printer, etc.)
• Cameras
• Phones & phone bills
• Membership fees for personal clubs
• Voluntary contributions to professional societies
• Travel related to interviews for future positions
• Airline ticket upgrade from coach to first class
• Publication fees
• Lab coats
• Board certification examination fees