Well-Being in Graduate Medical Education: A Call for Action

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Job burnout is a significant issue among graduate medical trainees.
• Burnout in trainees has serious consequences for both the trainees and the patients they serve.
• Existing literature on interventions for resident burnout is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a framework of recommendations for improving trainee well-being.
• To address the high prevalence of job burnout in graduate medical trainees.
• To inform stakeholders on strategies to mitigate trainee burnout.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on interventions for resident burnout.
• Formation of a collaborative of medical educators, leaders, and researchers.
• Development of a framework for multilevel recommendations.

Main Results:

• Both individual- and system-level interventions show potential effectiveness.
• Work hour limitations and mindfulness training may offer modest benefits.
• Physician wellness programs can yield benefits like increased patient satisfaction and physician productivity.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative effort is needed to improve trainee well-being.
• Recommendations span national, hospital, program, and nonwork levels.
• Multilevel changes can foster a sustainable learning culture for trainees.