Impaired residents: identification and intervention

To describe the effect of a psychologist on faculty staff supporting impaired residents to successful program completion in general surgery.

Since 1996, the Department of Surgery has had a staff psychologist on faculty who works closely with the Trauma service. Duties include provision of patient and family therapies (representing a revenue-generating activity for the department), in-services for staff stress management, research, and community education activities. As resident performance issues have arisen, the psychologist has been instrumental in early identification of and referral for underlying issues affecting resident behavior.

From 1996 to October 2001, 12 residents (2 with multiple referrals) have been identified with significant psychological issues impairing performance. The various psychological problems include depression, anger control issues, and addictions; required interventions have included referrals for therapeutic counseling, recommendations for career change, and therapeutic counseling combined with pharmacotherapy. Fellow residents referred 4 of the 12 residents to the psychologist for possible evaluation, and the remaining 8 had referral initiated by performance concerns.

Significant psychological problems can impair resident performance and possible training program completion. Early identification and intervention by a professional psychologist on faculty can provide support for increased opportunity to complete residency training.