%0 Journal Article
%T Well-being in residency training: a survey examining resident physician satisfaction both within and outside of residency training and mental health in Alberta
%A Jordan S Cohen
%A Scott Patten
%J BMC Medical Education
%D 2005
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1472-6920-5-21
%X A mail questionnaire was distributed to the entire resident membership of PARA during 2003 academic year. PARA represents each of the two medical schools in the province of Alberta.In total 415 (51 %) residents participated in the study. Thirty-four percent of residents who responded to the survey reported their life as being stressful. Females reported stress more frequently than males (40% vs. 27%, p < 0.02). Time pressure was reported as the number one factor contributing to stress (44% of males and 57% of females). A considerable proportion of residents would change their specialty program (14%) and even more would not pursue medicine (22%) if given the opportunity to relive their career. Up to 55% of residents reported experiencing intimidation and harassment. Intimidation and harassment was strongly related to gender (12% of males and 38% of females). Many residents (17%) rated their mental health as fair or poor. This was more than double the amount reported in the Canadian Community Health Survey from the province (8%) or the country (7%).Residents highly valued their colleagues (67%), program directors (60%) and external psychiatrist/psychologist (49%) as well-being resources. Over one third of residents wished to have a career counselor (39%) and financial counselor (38%).Many Albertan residents experience significant stressors and emotional and mental health problems. Some of which differ among genders. This study can serve as a basis for future resource application, research and advocacy for overall improvements to well-being during residency training.Studies have shown medical school training to be a source of significant stress. The expectations and responsibilities only increase during residency training [1]. Although today's residents no longer live in their respective training hospitals, the pressures of residency are still extremely high. Residents are expected to be proficient clinicians, educators, researchers and administrators by the time they
%K Residency
%K physician
%K post-graduate well-being
%K stress
%K intimidation
%K harassment
%K and resources
%U http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/5/21