The authors used a questionnaire technique to determine the magnitude of
the problem of emotional illness and poor performance during psychiatric
residency, the procedures that are used to screen for or help disturbed
residents, and characteristics that differentiate residents who are at
risk. The data indicated that residents who have problems that lead to
termination are rarely free of emotional disturbance. The general belief
that women, foreign medical graduates, and minority group members are at
higher risk for problems during residency was not supported; however,
younger residents and transfers from other programs appeared to be at risk.
A disturbing finding was the high rate of suicide reported. The authors
stress the need for further work with the "marginal" resident and for
research on screening and supportive procedures.
Abstract Teaser