For three out of five medical residents, non-clinical concerns, such as work-life balance. As well as time pressures or debt, they represent your biggest challenges in medical residency.
His greatest concern relates to traditional clinical issues
That compares with less than 40 percent of residents who say their biggest concern is related to traditional clinical issues. Like fear of making a serious mistake or concern about developing the skills they need to thrive in their chosen specialty.
These findings, included in a survey of more than 1,900 residents in 29 specialties. They show how much problems outside of work continue to put pressure on doctors in training.
According to the survey, the top six challenges faced in years one through four of medical residency are:
- Work-life balance: 33 percent.
- Dealing with time pressures: 17 percent.
- Fear of failure or making a serious mistake: 15 percent.
- Develop the clinical skills required for the specialty: 10 percent.
- Debt—10 percent.
- Dealing with stress: 8 percent.
Work hours and call hours as the most stressful factor
Residents surveyed listed work hours and call hours as the most important factor they will consider when looking for their first job. Three out of four residents cited that work-life balance category as a key factor in their future employment.
That criteria beat starting salary (cited by 66 percent of those surveyed) and compensation and an organizational environment. Plus practice support (49 percent) as influential factors in deciding on a post-residency position.
In terms of burnout, 64 percent of respondents said a manageable call schedule and work hours would help alleviate burnout.
NOT ALL ARE OBSTACLES; THERE IS A POSITIVE SIDE
The “Medscape Resident Happiness and Lifestyle Report” includes some other interesting facts.
see the bright side
Despite the time demands of the residency, the survey revealed a general optimism among residents. Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed said they still hoped to be doctors. Three quarters of those surveyed also rated the clinical knowledge and experience they are gaining as the most rewarding part of being a doctor.
meet expectations
While residents may feel their schedules are stretched, that seems to line up with what most expected from their training. When asked if their work-life balance is what they expected, about half of residents said it was “neither better nor worse.” A quarter responded that the balance was “somewhat or much better” than expected.
Fighting to stay well
Forty-six percent of residents surveyed said they “sometimes” had enough time for personal well-being. Thirty-five percent responded that they rarely or never have enough time. About half of residents said they “sometimes” have enough time for a satisfying social life.
Related Notes:
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