Benefits

Residents are paid an annual salary based on the LSU Health Sciences Center Health Care Services Division (HCSD) payscale effective July 1 of each year. Residents receive pay-checks on a bi-weekly basis. Residents are required to contribute to either Social Security or the approved alternative, Deferred Compensation. Deferred Compensation is a plan for tax-deferred savings and investment. This plan allows you to contribute 7.5% of your gross earnings to one of several investment choices offered by the plan administrator, Great West Life. A unique feature of Deferred Compensation is the availability of your funds without penalties. At termination of service with LSU, you will have the opportunity to withdraw your contributions and earnings without any tax penalties. You must pay applicable Federal and State taxes on the withdrawn funds. The funds may also be left on deposit with the plan where they will continue to be invested on a tax-deferred basis.

First year House Officers receive 21 days (including weekends) of non-cumulative vacation leave per year. Second year House Officers and above receive 28 days (including weekends) of non-cumulative vacation leave per year. House Officers are also entitled to 14 days (including weekends) of non-cumulative paid sick leave. House officer paid maternity leave utilizes available vacation leave plus sick leave for a total of up to six weeks.

Paternity leave utilizes available vacation leave. Extended unpaid leave may be granted by the Department Head. House Officers are eligible to participate in either the student health insurance or any of the health insurance plans that are offered to LSU Health Sciences Center employees as well as the employee life, vision and dental insurance plans. The Cafeteria Plan is also available which allows the house officer to have his health, life and dental insurance deducted on a pre-tax basis. Group long term disability insurance coverage is provided for all house officers.

Medical malpractice coverage is provided by state statute to house officers for clinical work done for or on behalf of the LSU Board of Supervisors. As a State agency, we have the benefit of legal assistance from the Office of Risk Management and the Attorney General's Office.

An Emergency Fund for LSU residents and fellows provides money to house officers in cases of emergency. Housing and moving information and other personal assistance are available through the Graduate Medical Education Office. The individual training programs provide departmental coordinators who work directly with the house officers and serve as a liaison between the house officer and their program director.

Parking is also available for a nominal annual fee. Beepers are provided to the residents. Meals are provided to the resident while on call in the Hospital. And, laboratory coats are issued and laundered by the Hospital.

Several Continuing Education programs are offered annually through the LSUHSC Professional Education Office.

Resident / Fellow Benefit Information from the Human Resources Department