percythrillington asked: Do you think it is a good idea or bad idea to limit the number of hours a resident can be in the hospital each week?
Hi percythrillington!
Ohhh tough question! Obviously there are pros and cons. You need enough hours to learn the ropes and become a skilled doctor; but too many hours can lead to exhaustion, poor choices, and potentially harming a patient unintentionally.
I think that the recent limits placed on hospitals are good for the physical and mental well-being of residents. However, we have got to find a way to give students enough hours to learn and feel connected/responsible for their patients as well as allow for post-call sanity and downtime.
I am not currently in residency, so this is just my assessment from the outside and what I have heard, read, and discussed with others. Those currently in residency, what do you think?
Thank you for the question!
Love,
md-admissions
