The economic environment of resident physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Workforce Studies

Background:

• The financial and working conditions of resident physicians are critical to medical training.
• Understanding these factors is essential for program development and physician well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the financial, working, and educational environment of resident physicians.
• To identify trends in resident salaries, debt, and work hours between 1979 and 1983.

Main Methods:

• Utilized mail surveys of resident physicians conducted in 1979 and 1983.
• Examined variables including salary, benefits, debt, moonlighting income, work hours, and program issues.

Main Results:

• Resident salary increases moderated after the early 1970s.
• Physicians reported less concern regarding their financial status.
• Long working hours persisted, with no increase in resident utilization by teaching hospitals.

Conclusions:

• The era of rapid resident salary growth has ended.
• Resident physicians generally express moderate financial contentment despite long hours.
• Residency training involves a dual role for physicians as both students and employees.