As a second-year medical student, I am increasingly concerned about the state of residency programs, which, while crucial for training future physicians, have significant flaws that impact resident well-being and patient care. The long hours, high stress, and administrative burdens often lead to burnout, mental health struggles, and a lack of preparedness for independent practice. These issues are vital to address as residency shapes both the quality of care residents provide and the type of physicians they become.
Reforming residency to introduce more flexible work hours and structured wellness programs is essential. Many residents still experience exhaustion despite the 80-hour workweek cap, highlighting the need for dynamic scheduling with guaranteed rest. Access to mental health resources and regular check-ins should also be integrated to address growing concerns about burnout and the rising suicide rates among residents.
By focusing on work-life balance, mental health, and teamwork, residency programs can better support future physicians, improving both patient care and healthcare delivery. I hope to contribute to this reform initiative.