Work Hours, Stress, and Burnout Among Resident Physicians

Are work hours associated with stress, burnout, and self-perceived competency among residents in high-burnout specialties?In this cross-sectional study including a survey sample of 540 US residents in high-burnout specialties, longer work hours were significantly associated with higher stress and higher self-perceived competency, but work hours were not significantly associated with burnout.These findings suggest that further restricting work hours may not reduce burnout and could negatively affect residents’ perceived competency, highlighting the need for more comprehensive strategies to support well-being beyond work hours alone.

Corresponding Author: Sydney F Tan, MD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, MC7375, Madison, WI 53792 (stan75@wisc.edu).

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