Enhancing Resident Well-being: Illuminating the Path Forward

Excerpt

Training to become a physician is a challenging and stressful journey. Numerous studies have documented a high prevalence of burnout and symptoms of depression among residents.1^,2 Despite starting medical school with mental health profiles better than similarly aged college graduates who pursued other careers, residents are more likely to have burnout and depression symptoms than age-similar peers.1^,2 A 2012 national study of 1701 residents found 50% had burnout symptoms in comparison to 31% among age-matched college graduates not studying medicine.3 Although less common than burnout symptoms, nearly a third (28.8%) of residents have substantial symptoms of depression, and the prevalence of depression increases during training.1 …