Emotions experienced by residents

see also Neurosurgical resident emotions

Medical residency can be a challenging and emotionally demanding experience, and residents may experience a wide range of emotions as they navigate their training and clinical responsibilities. Some common emotions experienced by residents may include:

Stress and anxiety: The demanding workload and high stakes of medical training can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.

Frustration and disappointment: Residents may feel frustrated or disappointed when patient outcomes do not meet their expectations, or when they are not able to provide the level of care they would like due to time constraints or other limitations.

Insecurity and self-doubt: The steep learning curve and constant evaluation can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt among residents.

Empathy and compassion: Residents may also experience strong feelings of empathy and compassion for their patients, as they witness their struggles and work to alleviate their suffering.

Satisfaction and fulfillment: Despite the challenges, residents may also experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from their work, particularly when they are able to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.

It is important for residents to be aware of these emotions and to develop strategies for coping with the stresses and challenges of medical training. This may include seeking support from colleagues and mentors, engaging in self-care practices such as exercise and meditation, and cultivating a sense of perspective and purpose in their work.

The aim of a study was to explore family medicine residents' and final-year medical students' emotions during their clinical training.

This qualitative study was performed with 15 family medicine residents and 24 final-year medical students using a convenience sample from two medical faculties to explore and analyze their emotions. Data were gathered by means of focus group interviews, including six interviews conducted and recorded through online meetings. Data were analyzed for themes using a thematic analysis approach. Since the interviews reached saturation in terms of content, the interviews were terminated at the end of the sixth focus group meeting. Each interview took an average of 45-60 min.

Three main themes emerged from the data regarding residents' and interns' emotions. These were the “clinical climate's role”, “emotions during patient encounters” and “coping strategies with negative emotions”. The most commonly encountered emotions were tension and anxiety followed by frustration and uncertainty.

Family medicine residents and final-year medical students are challenged with emotions during their clinical training. Therefore, medical educators have to be aware of the need to support them in reflecting on their emotions by prioritizing residents' and interns' well-being ¹⁾.