Why burnout takes a different form for women resident physicians

Women in residency face many of the same challenges their male counterparts do: Long hours, the challenge of medical-student loan repayment, and the need to adapt and learn amid novel experiences. But often, women also are met with obstacles that their male colleagues will not have to overcome—from planning pregnancies around rotations to feeling like they are treated differently because of their gender. 

Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that women resident physicians report higher rates of burnout than male residents do.

You can turn to the AMA for timely guidance on making the most of medical residency. Get resources and tips about navigating the fast-paced demands of training, getting scientific research published, maintaining health and well-being, and handling medical school student loan debt.

In this article, residents and fellows will find great information regarding:

• How exclusive AMA survey data shows the latest trends on resident physician burnout, and how well-being varies by gender.
• How mentors can make a big difference for women resident physicians.
• Why access to mental health care is so vital, and how one health system ensures it for its residents.
• The challenges women residents must navigate related to family planning, childbearing, menstruation and more.