Residency long hours

[Sweenracer]

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Anybody else out there have this issue?:

My wife is a PGY3 in her residency in Internal Medicine in an inner city hospital in Philadelphia. We've been married for 5 years, and we have 2 kids. I know, I know, residents work long hours... and I knew this before she started...But it really ticks me off when it seems like she is getting dumped on. During June (last month of PGY2) she worked 90 hour weeks...for 4 weeks in a row... I kid you not. She had one run of 8 days working 8pm-9am overnites with no sleep... The following week she worked 7am-11pm for 5 days in a row... throw in an hour commute in each direction and that only allows six hours for sleep and eating... She comes home run ragged and gets next to no sleep. She did not see her own kids for almost the entire month.

Granted, that was the worst month to date. (MICU rotation)... but there have been other times where it seems like it is just unfair. Usual weeks are about 70 hours. $40K is not that bad for someone who works 40 hours a week... but is barely minimum wage when you work a 90 hour week. Not to mention that she is soo tired that it could interfere with decision making... She doesn't even take breaks at all... Aren't there labor laws? Why can unions moan that they don't get paid enough, when they won't work a minute past a 40 hour week... that's Overtime! It really burns me up when I hear someone complaining that they had to stay an hour late at work... like that's some big deal! Why is it expected that a bus driver gets paid overtime for working a 41 hour week... and a doctor (who is saving your life in some cases) work a 90 hour week for free (and my wife never complains...I do).... and then people will turn around and try to sue her!

My wife is very good about all this. Never complains. It's part of the job, she says... But it bothers ME! I miss her. And I hate how she is soo tired by the time she gets home... I feel like the hospital has taken her time from me... I see her when she sleeps. I am just hoping it will not always be like this.

 

[dus]

Hello Sweenracer,

I had posted a thread a couple of weeks ago inquiring as to the hours associated with a third year medical student. The love of my life is entering his third year (I don't know what PGIY2/3 is...) and I am at a loss for what to expect.

I have a feeling that we will be on the same page. Since you have been married for five years would you be able to let me know what I should expect?

To recap: we have a very successful relationship (albeit long-distance) and we have been together throughout his medical school term. Our relationship is strong and we are both dedicated to it's success.

Thank you Sweenracer - you have my support if you plan on rioting against the hospitals for "union"...

 

[Coastie]

It's tough, but we all knew about this going into it.

Best of luck.

Anybody else out there have this issue?:

My wife is a PGY3 in her residency in Internal Medicine in an inner city hospital in Philadelphia. We've been married for 5 years, and we have 2 kids. I know, I know, residents work long hours... and I knew this before she started...But it really ticks me off when it seems like she is getting dumped on. During June (last month of PGY2) she worked 90 hour weeks...for 4 weeks in a row... I kid you not. She had one run of 8 days working 8pm-9am overnites with no sleep... The following week she worked 7am-11pm for 5 days in a row... throw in an hour commute in each direction and that only allows six hours for sleep and eating... She comes home run ragged and gets next to no sleep. She did not see her own kids for almost the entire month.

Granted, that was the worst month to date. (MICU rotation)... but there have been other times where it seems like it is just unfair. Usual weeks are about 70 hours. $40K is not that bad for someone who works 40 hours a week... but is barely minimum wage when you work a 90 hour week. Not to mention that she is soo tired that it could interfere with decision making... She doesn't even take breaks at all... Aren't there labor laws? Why can unions moan that they don't get paid enough, when they won't work a minute past a 40 hour week... that's Overtime! It really burns me up when I hear someone complaining that they had to stay an hour late at work... like that's some big deal! Why is it expected that a bus driver gets paid overtime for working a 41 hour week... and a doctor (who is saving your life in some cases) work a 90 hour week for free (and my wife never complains...I do).... and then people will turn around and try to sue her!

My wife is very good about all this. Never complains. It's part of the job, she says... But it bothers ME! I miss her. And I hate how she is soo tired by the time she gets home... I feel like the hospital has taken her time from me... I see her when she sleeps. I am just hoping it will not always be like this.

 

[LADoc00]

I have known residents who got between 50-60K and worked about 20 hours a week. Really depends on where you are and what you are doing.

 

[owlet]

I have known residents who got between 50-60K and worked about 20 hours a week. Really depends on where you are and what you are doing.

Where are these residencies? Really! I want to know where to try to match...😀

 

[Coastie]

I could name a couple of path programs that fit this description, including one that is almost a sure fire way into derm path.

 

[Joy123]

Sweenracer,

My husband is a 3rd yr. med. student in his first rotation. He must have pulled the short stick because he is working 80 hours a week and is on for the next 12 days straight. YUCK!!

I understand your frustration, but hang in there. I keep saying to myself it is worth it in the end. One thing we do to make sure we keep our priorities straight is that we set up at least one hour a day no matter how tired we are just to talk and spend time with our child. So far so good.

I have been the sole supporter of the family since my husband started med school. It gets hard and frustrating at times, but I remind myself everyday that I want him to do this. Some day's are harder then others.

We keep the lines of communication open and I try to be proactive in helping him study. I have practiced the OSCE's with him and have helped him with presentations. I think the more you can do be a part of the madness the easier it will be for both of you.

Keep your chin up and know that it will get easier and you will get through this. You are on the journey together so make sure you always communicate about feelings and work together to come up with solutions to the problem. You may think she is not frustrated, but I guarantee you, she misses you as much as you miss her.

Good Luck!!!

Joy 123