Abstract
Background: Recent literature highlights the effects of daily challenges on the ability of medical residents to function at
their highest level. Programs dedicated to physician wellness and decreasing the probability of burnout are necessary in every
residency. However, little information is available on what residents perceive as the most useful topics in the areas of
resiliency and stress management. Aim: A needs assessment was designed for medical residents in Family Medicine,
Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Psychiatry to better understand stressors specific to each program.
Subjects and Methods: A list of twenty-five topics was developed that comprised areas related to stress management, coping,
managing fatigue and balancing life. Residents were asked to identify which topics they believed to be very useful, somewhat
useful or not useful. One hundred and fifteen residents completed the survey. Results: There was variability in the topics that
residents from different specialties found most and least useful. However, topics that were rated most useful across all
residences were time management (67%), dealing with fatigue (68%), and balancing life (65%). Topics perceived as least
useful were mindfulness and anger management. Conclusion: A needs assessment provides information that is crucial to the
design of effective resiliency programs for medical residents. Variations in a basic resiliency program can be made depending
on specific needs of residency programs.
Keywords: Needs Assessments; Medical Residents; Burnout; Resiliency
