Survey of the incidence and effect of major life events on graduate medical education trainees

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to assess the incidence of major life events during graduate medical education (GME) training and to establish any associations with modifiable activities and career planning.MethodsThe authors surveyed graduating GME trainees from their parent institution in June 2013. Demographic information (clinical department, gender, training duration) and major life events (marriage, children, death/illness, home purchase, legal troubles, property loss) were surveyed. Respondents were queried about the relationship between life events and career planning. A multivariable logistic regression model tested for associations.ResultsA total of 53.2% (166/312) of graduates responded to the survey. 50% (83/166) of respondents were female. Major life events occurred in 96.4% (160/166) of respondents. Male trainees were more likely (56.1% [46/82] vs. 30.1% [25/83]) to have a child during training (p=0.01). A total of 41.6% (69/166) of responders consciously engaged or avoided activities during GME training, while 31.9% (53/166) of responders reported that life events influenced their career plans. Trainees in lifestyle residencies (p=0.02), those who experienced the death or illness of a close associate (p=0.01), and those with legal troubles (p=0.04) were significantly more likely to consciously control life events.ConclusionMajor life events are very common and changed career plans in nearly a third of GME trainees. Furthermore, many trainees consciously avoided activities due to their responsibilities during training. GME training programs should closely assess the institutional support systems available to trainees during this difficult time.

Survey on Specialty Preference and Work-Life Balance among Residents of Japanese Red Cross Hospitals

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“…A 2013 cross-sectional study of all residents and fellows at Duke University revealed that 96% of trainees sustained major life events, and 33% of trainees suffered the death of a close family member. 47 While no such study has been performed for practicing surgeons, it stands to reason that as we age, death and illness become more common. Often, we take for granted the health of our loved ones.…”

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“…When life events related to physical or mental health, relationships, or family occur, there is little flexibility in the system to allow residents to attend to their needs. 21,26,27 Instead, residents who require time off for health or personal reasons must navigate a complex coverage system, which could include the redistribution of work to their peers. Moreover, requesting time away from work often necessitates disclosure of a mental or physical health concern or disability to their superiors, who are often the same individuals responsible for writing their letters of recommendation and advocating for them to future training programs or employers.…”