The special stress of residency

01/20/21 • 26 min

Sound Mind: conversations about physician wellness and medical culture

“If we have a system where asking for help is not a normal part of medical training, it creates this perception that if you’re struggling and need help, it’s a weakness.” – Dr. Stephanie Klein

Statistics reveal that burnout, depression and suicidal ideation are at a peak during residency, compared to any other time in a physician's career. Why is residency such a difficult time and how can we ensure people get the support they need?
In this episode, Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie speaks with Dr. Stephanie Klein about losing her twin brother to suicide, just as he was beginning his residency, and the wellness program she created specifically for residents, in response.

Want to learn more about physician wellness? Visit the CMA Physician Wellness Hub for curated, clinically-based tools, resources, and research on all the topics covered in this podcast.

This episode is available in English only.

Want to learn more about physician wellness? Visit the CMA Physician Wellness Hub for curated, clinically-based tools, resources, and research on all the topics covered in this podcast.

This episode is available in English only.

Previous Episode

Unprecedented: COVID-19 and its impact on physician wellness

“I can honestly say I have never been through anything like this in my life.” – Dr. Sabrina Akhtar, Toronto.

When a global pandemic was declared in March 2020, medical professionals went into hyperdrive to try and contain the virus, treat patients, and keep themselves safe. Nearly a year later this work continues, but what is the cost to physician wellness? Do we need to re-think wellness supports during COVID-19?

In this episode, Dr. Sabrina Akhtar explains the stress and burnout she’s experienced since the pandemic was declared, and Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie talks to Dr. Joy Albuquerque, medical director of the Ontario Medical Association’s Physician Health program, about how she sees the pandemic impacting physicians.

Want to learn more about physician wellness? Visit the CMA Physician Wellness Hub for curated, clinically-based tools, resources, and research on all the topics covered in this podcast.

Next Episode

Confronting the “hidden curriculum” in medical school

“To me, the hidden curriculum is the little things — the off-side comments, the facial expressions. It’s trying to breed a certain type of physician, in a culture that says physicians should be infallible.” – Alexandra Morra, 4th year medical student

From the cafeteria to the clinic, medical students pick up many unspoken messages about physician attitudes and behaviour. Today, this “hidden curriculum” is increasingly under scrutiny for the signals it sends about the pressures of medicine and seeking help. In this episode, fourth year medical student Alexandra Morra talks about her experience with the “hidden curriculum”, and Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie speaks with Dr. Geneviève Moineau, CEO of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, about how medical schools are confronting the issue.

Want to learn more about physician wellness? Visit the CMA Physician Wellness Hub for curated, clinically-based tools, resources, and research on all the topics covered in this podcast.

Sound Mind: conversations about physician wellness and medical culture - The special stress of residency

Transcript

Episode Two
The special stress of residency

Caroline Gérin‐Lajoie (intro):

Welcome to "Sound Mind," a podcast about physician wellness and medical culture. I'm your host, Dr. Caroline Gérin‐Lajoie.

For many physicians, residency is one of the most challenging times in their career. The demands are extremely high, and the learning curve can be steep.

In a 2018 national survey on physician health conducted by my colleagues here a