An interesting US study [JAMA Surg. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2014.935] looking at the reasons why general surgery
residents want to leave their programmes reveals how more than half seriously
consider leaving the program. Notable among the reasons was an undesirable
future lifestyle, which chimes with the research on burnout and work-home
conflict. Also, women were more likely to report wanting to leave. Factors
most often cited that kept residents from leaving were support from family or
significant others (65.0%), support from other residents (63.5%), and perception
of being better rested (58.9%). Ultimately, the high percentage of residents
who express a desire to leave should prompt us to consider how we can rethink
residency training. The authors didn’t measure patient outcomes, but one
wonders whether those who want to leave treat patients differently?
