Work Hours of American Doctors in Specialized Residency Programs

Residency in specialized fields such as surgery or internal medicine is a crucial and demanding stage in a doctor's career. How many hours do American doctors in these programs work per week, and what does their workday typically look like?

Typical Work Hours

American doctors in residency programs work between 60 to 80 hours per week. This range can vary significantly depending on the specialty and specific residency program. For instance, surgery is a field that often requires longer hours, whereas others might have more predictable schedules. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) enforces a guideline that limits the workweek to 80 hours and mandates at least one day off per week. However, many residents still find themselves working close to these limits.

Flexible Schedules and On-Call Sessions

The nature of the work means that schedules can be quite flexible. Minimum work days are 12 hours, but on-call sessions should not exceed 72 hours. Emergency situations can sometimes result in working straight for 10 days. Additionally, personal shifts taken on behalf of less busy colleagues can extend this period to 10 days or even beyond, with rare exceptions. In many cases, a two-day break may not necessarily be consecutive.

Residents may be called upon to work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially if they become the senior most member of their department. The arrangement can vary widely across different hospitals and regions. It’s not uncommon to find residents paired with junior residents, and even medical students shadowing the experience.

On-call sessions can be particularly challenging. Doctors rely on nurses to wake them in emergencies while they catch what sleep they can. A group of residents may even opt to use makeshift sleep spaces in the hospital to ensure someone is always awake to take calls and wake the others. In emergency rooms (ER), doctors often work out rotations, ensuring that someone can take a nap.

Realistic Workload

If an exact figure is needed, an approximate answer would be between 80 to 90 hours per week. However, many residents report working 90 to 100 hours or even more, not including additional shifts they might pick up outside their usual duties. Financial considerations may influence the decision to work extra hours, as specialized residency fields often require significant additional income to sustain through this intensive period.

Improving Your Specialty Knowledge

Sustaining such high workloads requires dedication and a commitment to professional development. Residencies offer opportunities for research, certifications, and continuing medical education (CME). It's advisable to explore these options to enhance your skills and knowledge. The Virtual Lecture Hall, for example, provides access to a wealth of CME courses tailored to specific medical specialties. By supplementing your practical experience with theory and additional education, you can solidify your expertise in your chosen field.