Residency work hours

[yodaman]

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Does anyone have any insight (i.e. experience or word of mouth) about residency hours? Is one on call very much? Do most usually attain the "80 hour limit" or is it much less than that? I figure it's probably different for each institution, but any feedback would be great.

 

[macro0rchidism]

Does anyone have any insight (i.e. experience or word of mouth) about residency hours? Is one on call very much? Do most usually attain the "80 hour limit" or is it much less than that? I figure it's probably different for each institution, but any feedback would be great.

It varies greatly by insitution. It depends on the number of residents in the program + the number of hospitals the residents cover. Stanford residents, for example, only take call about once a week. UCLA and USC residents, on the other hand, have a lot tougher of a call schedule.

 

[Wolverine98]

In addition to that, it will also depend on whether it's always in-house call, or whether there's home call.
IME, the 80-hour isn't as much of an issue as the continuous hours limit. Some programs now automatically send their post-call residents home at noon to avoid that.

Even more important than all these is how scrupulous the program is about enforcing/adhering to the rules. Some are more than willing to look the other way, and "encourage" their residents to just deal with. Others are very strict and won't even let residents have the option of violating the rules.

 

[Pastrami King]

It varies greatly by insitution. It depends on the number of residents in the program + the number of hospitals the residents cover. Stanford residents, for example, only take call about once a week. UCLA and USC residents, on the other hand, have a lot tougher of a call schedule.

Clarification:
1st and 2nd years at Stanford split primary call so it averages q6. The weekends (Friday 5pm-Monday 8am) are one long block. For the first approx 2 months it is buddy call with the first and second years so it is q3. The 3rd years take backup call a week at a time every 3rd week. Call, though from home, has become quite busy.