The working and learning environment for physicians in training in the US

doi:10.1136/bmjusa.02020002

BMJ, doi: 10.1136/bmjusa.02020002, (Published 28 August 2002)

Editorials

The working and learning environment for physicians in training in the US

Limits on resident work hours, with financial and staff support, are needed

Editorial BMJ USA p 75

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

This article originally appeared in BMJ USA

As in Europe, interns and residents have played a critical role in the US health care system for decades. Generations of youngphysicians fresh from medical school have willingly exchangedup to 130 hours each week fulfilling the service and educationalrequirements of their training programs for the experience ofpatient care and the promise of a career in medicine. As we entera new century however, this "rite of passage" endured by thousandsof physicians has fallen under greater scrutiny by the Americanpublic.

In 1984, a young woman (Libby Zion) admitted to a New York hospital died due to an adverse drug reaction allegedly missedby a fatigued and overworked resident. Although a subsequent grandjury investigation found no fault with the physician or hospital,the public outcry surrounding the case resulted in strict regulationsin the state of New York that mandated . . . [Full text of this article]