Resident Work Hour Stories

Programs under the jurisdiction of the RRC have until July 1, 2003 to comply with the new restrictions (ie, average 80 hr workweek, no more than 24+6 hrs on straight, call no more than q3, 10 hrs off between shifts, average 1 full day off a week, etc.) Many programs are already shifting into these changes, and while I'm still working more than 80 hrs per week, its a lot better than it used to be (however, I do think I'm not on call enough).

 

Thanks to Centrum for quoting my earlier post which addressed resident work hours. Programs which want to remain accredited will HAVE to comply with the RRC regulations after July 1, 2003 (note that not all programs are accredited or under RRC rules, but any allopathic program to which you apply and match should be). Yale has been made an example of (see earlier threads dealing with their "punishment") and programs are forced to comply.

In the words of a surgeon here,"...we (surgery programs) have remained resistant to change and making work hour decreases, so now its being done for us. If we want control, WE have to make the changes - but we were too egocentric to do that and now its too late."

RRC regulations apply to all residencies (not just surgery). Things will be better for all new residents - I find that we're much busier during the day and have to cross-cover services to make the changes, but its much better than before.

 

Moving to General Residency Issues Forum...

 

gherelin...

Well, that's unfortunate, to say the least and blatantly against regulation (or what will become regulation). We have been expressly told that we are not to "volunteer" to stay and do cases, see patients, etc. lest it appear that "volunteering" is expected. Will people report the program if they are in violation - some very well might. What does a Prelim going into another field have to lose by telling RRC that his program makes him work 36 hour shifts, some q2 call, etc.?

I expect that things will adjust and eventually settle out, but there will be changes over the course of this year. For example, we've just been told that we CAN operate and go to clinic, during those 6 hours post-call as this "contributes to the continuity of patient care". New consults, new ED hits, etc. can't be seen, but any known patient to the service can. Good for me, it means I can do smaller cases in the am.