<p>Dr. Sedrish (and others): My daughter is a college sophomore biology major who is very interested in becoming a doctor. She is interested specifically in ob/gyn. I recently had a chat with a woman who was a doctor in China who is horrified at the way residents are treated here in the U.S. (She knows several who recently were or currently are in their residencies.) One has to work 36 hours at a stretch with no breaks and no sleep. My friend is advising me to discourage my daughter from medical school because of the way residents have to suffer. Is this generally true?</p>
<p>What is the status on overworking residents? I understood they are supposed to work no more than 80/hrs. per week now? Do you think this situation is likely to improve? It seems so unsafe to me, both for patients and for the resident's health.</p>
<p>I read an article in Newsweek about this, proably last month. It was saying the situation is getting better and current doctors aren't happy about it because they feel if they cut back resident's hours, they won't learn as much. I'll try to find that article for you :)</p>
<p>"A New Style in the Operating Room"
September 20, 2004, Newsweek, U.S. Edition
By Mary Carmichael </p>
<p>That is the article I'm talking about. Good Luck :)!</p>
<p>It is indeed getting easier. I had dinner with a group of our Tulane orthopaedic residents last week and they all confirmed the 70 hour week is a reality. On the other hand, once in practice, a 70 hour week may seem like a fairy tale.</p>
<p>I have heard that they are now moving towards 63 hours per week for residency.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the responses. I did read that piece in Newsweek, but wanted some confirmation that that is the reality out there in the trenches. My D is so interested in becoming a doctor--I just want to encourage her as much as I can.</p>