Use of resident physicians: an evaluation of the effects of a significant increase

Medical school graduates have become increasingly dependent on former community hospitals for residency programs because charitable institutions attached to medical schools are disappearing. It is not known what impact residencies have on hospitals that were community hospitals. We interviewed private practice physicians, residents, nurses, patients, and other groups in a large former community hospital. Overall, the interviews indicated good support for the hospital's new teaching function. Furthermore, the residents were viewed in very favorable terms by all groups. There were two problem areas. One, some residents seem less sensitive to human relations than private practice physicians and other hospital groups. Two, many private practice physicians are concerned over the number of hospital-salaried physicians and the outpatient care offered by residents supervised by hospital-salaried physicians. This research suggested several recommendations that, if followed, would serve to increase the value of the residency in meeting patient needs in the most effective manner.