Creating and Implementing a Novel Wellness-Inspired Resident Educational RG (WIRE) Curriculum

Strategies to Improve Resident Wellness in Plastic Surgery Training

Residency is known to be a challenging time in a surgeon's career. Surgical residents must learn the breadth of their field and develop technical skills while maintaining relationships and well-being outside their training. High burnout rates are well documented among all medical specialties, particularly during residency. Proven strategies in medical education that help decrease burnout and improve resident well-being, while maintaining quality patient care, have been reported in the medical education literature. However, little has been published specific to plastic surgery training programs. We discuss strategies that can be implemented into the curricula and workflow at plastic surgery residency programs to maximize resident well-being. We advocate for a multifaceted approach that includes a night float system, day call, integrating advanced practice providers to offload noneducational resident tasks, and establishing a wellness program. It is our hope that these strategies may serve as a guide for plastic surgery residency programs to promote general wellness and prevent burnout among trainees.

The Current State of Plastic Surgery Residency Wellness Programs: Benefits and Barriers

Background

Wellness programs are especially important in residency. However, the resources available to plastic surgery residents through residency wellness programs have not been described. This study reports current plastic surgery residency wellness programs' organization, leadership, and resources.

Methods

An anonymous and voluntary e-mail survey was sent to 106 plastic surgery residency program directors through May and June 2022. Features of residency wellness programs were detailed, and program directors' sentiments towards residency wellness programs were evaluated.

Results

A 30.2% (32 of 106) complete response rate was achieved. Nearly 90% (87.5%, 28 of 32) of program directors indicated the presence of a wellness program. More than 75% (21 of 28) of programs are supported by the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Wellness events were offered by 92.9% (26 of 28) of programs. More than half of programs offered resources for mental health, physical health, mentorship, and protected time. Several resources were associated with the presence of wellness leadership roles, suggesting residents can positively shape wellness program offerings. Program directors strongly indicated that wellness programs are important, relevant, and effective. Additionally, 75% (24 of 32) report a desire to learn about wellness programs at other plastic surgery residency programs.

Conclusions

Resources offered through plastic surgery residency wellness programs are comparable to those in other specialties. However, plastic surgery programs vary in the resources offered to residents and barriers to access exist. Greater involvement of residents in plastic surgery wellness programs may better support physician wellness.