RT Journal
A1 Shanafelt T, Habermann T
T1 MEdical residents' emotional well-being
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2002
FD October 16
VO 288
IS 15
SP 1846
OP 1847
DO 10.1001/jama.288.15.1845
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.288.15.1845
AB 
While Bellini et al state they were unaware of previous longitudinal
studies reporting on variations in mood during the course of the internship,
we are aware of 2 studies that reported similar data.3- 4 Like
the study by Bellini et al, one of these studies found that depression and
fatigue in residents was greatest in February.3 Over
the last 2 decades, the negative emotional consequences of residency training
have been well documented. In an effort to improve the situation, the Accreditation
Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently published new guidelines
that restrict resident work hours.5 While
these regulations represent an effort toward meaningful progress, little evidence
was available to guide these changes, and the extent to which they will improve
emotional distress in residents remains unknown. Future studies of resident
distress should focus on identifying causes and solutions for resident distress
rather than just further describing the problem. More important, studies exploring
how to promote residents' well-being are needed to understand not only how
to eliminate the problem but also how to promote residents' emotional health.