KevinMD September 4, 2024
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in resident unionization across the country, driven largely by the grueling working conditions many residents face. While the most pressing issues are pay and burnout, one contributing cause is the long hours of training that contribute to resident sleep deprivation – a serious threat to resident health and patient safety. Despite duty hour restrictions imposed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2003 and revised in 2011, which cap resident workweeks at 80 hours and shifts at 24 hours, marathon shifts continue to be a common practice.
These dedicated professionals stand on the front lines, navigating the complexities of patient care with commitment and skill. Yet, relentless schedules...