My application for my general surgery boards was submitted late. Do I have any recourse?

Question

BAsically, my program director for my residency program did not sign my paperwork which had been lying on his desk for one month. I asked him to sign it multiple times. He only signed it a couple of days before it was due. He then gave it to his secretary who promptly filed it. I was out of town when this happened. I came back and asked again about it, I was shocked to realized that it hadn't been mailed to the board. I overnight mailed it, but it was too late by two days. Now I cannot take the test this year (only offered once a year). Hopefully there are some general surgeons that are reading tis, but can I appeal to the board to take the test this year as it was not my fault? If not, can I take any action against my program director, because due to his neglience I basically have to put my career on hold for a year.....

Answer 1

You are probably on hold for a year. I take it you have completed your Residency. Taking action against your Chief may change the letters he is going to have to write about you, to every hospital you apply for privileges.

You can ask him if he can give you a letter to  explain the lack of Board Certification.  Be nice. This guy can gun you down if you make him angry.  

We used to have to be in practice 2 years before we could take the boards anyway. You can still be a Surgeon without your Boards.

Answer 2

I don't know if you have any recourse, but that's exactly the kind of unprofessional, passive-aggressive baloney that surgery residencies are famous for.

You have my sympathy, but I doubt you have any recourse.