Behind the Podium: Surgical Residents' Emotional Experiences at Morbidity and Mortality Conferences

The purpose of this study was to characterize the emotional experiences of surgical residents during the preparation and presentation of morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs), examining how such experiences influence learning, professional identity formation, and growth.

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Academic medical center.

Surgical residents enrolled in a residency program who presented at an MMC.

We interviewed 14 residents in the departments of Otolaryngology (4), General Surgery (3), Plastic Surgery (2), Ophthalmology (2), Urology (1), Neurosurgery (1), and Orthopedic Surgery (1). We identified 4 key themes describing surgical residents' emotional experiences during MMC preparation and presentation. Residents described a dynamic trajectory of emotions that evolved from anticipation and anxiety during preparation to heightened vulnerability during presentation. Emotional responses were shaped by contextual factors, including level of involvement in the presented complication, seniority, and the hierarchical structure of the surgical environment. Interpersonal dynamics, particularly questioning style and perceived tone from faculty and peers, strongly influenced whether MMCs were perceived as productive. Emotions in turn affected residents' ability to derive learning from the experience, with implications for professional identity formation and development.

Surgical residents experience complex and evolving emotions throughout MMC preparation and presentation that are shaped by the training environment. These emotions play an important role in learning and professional identity development. Greater attention to the emotional dimensions of MMCs may enhance their educational value and support trainee development.