STRESS AT THE WORKPLACE DURING RESIDENCY TRAINING

Abstract

Residency period during postgraduate training in medical profession is well known for physical and mental stress . There are many situational, professional, and personal sources of stress, which the author reviews: heavy work- load, sleep deprivation, difficult patients, poor learning environments, relocation issues, isolation and social problems, financial concerns, cultural issues, information overload, and career planning issues. Stress can also originate from gender-related issues and issues related to spouses and family members. The author also describes less commonly documented sources of stress ,which is observed in residents who perform marginally and in some cases should not have been passed on from medical school, or who are studying specialties not compatible with their skills and personalities, or who foster severe interpersonal problems on the job. Common effects of stress include frequent absenteeism ,minor health problems, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive trends, hostility, and alcohol and substance abuse. The author outlines essential elements of an assistance program, states how important such problems can be in saving both residents and their institutions needless difficulties and costs, and presents important issues for the consideration of all involved in residents' training. Purpose of this article is to provide an overview gathered from the extensive literature, of the various stressors resident face; and to discuss assistance to residents and make recommendations about the essential elements of an assistance program.