Medscape October 7, 2024
Before the 350 residents finalized their union contract at the University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont, in 2022, Jesse Mostoller, DO, now a third-year pathology resident, recalls hearing about another resident at the hospital who resorted to moonlighting as an Uber driver to make ends meet.
“In Vermont, rent and childcare are expensive,” said Mostoller, adding that thanks to union bargaining, first-year residents at UVM are now paid $71,000 per year instead of $61,000. In addition, residents now receive $1800 per year for food (up from $200-$300 annually) and a $1800 annual fund to help pay for board exams that can be carried over for 2 years. “When we were negotiating, the biggest item on our list...