Neurosurgery Residents Say 80-Hour Work Week Isn’t Enough

Residents partaking in U.S. neurosurgery training programs strongly oppose new regulations that further limit their duty hours, according to a survey published in the December issue of Neurosurgery, the official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). The study was issued by Dr. Kyle M. Fargen and colleagues at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

Researchers sent the survey to residents enrolled in 101 neurosurgery training programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, asking them for their views on the new rules, which restrict the maximum shift lengths of doctors in training, as well as the perceived effects of the limited hours on their education. The surveys were distributed prior to July 2011, when the new rules took effect. Responses were received from 377 residents, representing about one-third of all U.S. neurosurgery residents. For more information, click here to read the full release.