The Hidden Struggles of Surgeons During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on everyone, but it hit healthcare workers especially hard. Surgeons in training, known as residents, faced unique challenges that made their jobs even tougher. A recent study dug into their experiences and found some eye-opening stuff. First off, these residents had to deal with a massive workload. Hospitals were overflowing with patients, and staff were stretched thin. This meant long hours and little time to rest or recover. It's no surprise that many felt exhausted and overwhelmed. But it wasn't just the workload. The pandemic also brought a lot of stress and anxiety. Residents worried about catching the virus themselves or passing it on to their families. They also felt the pressure of making life-and-death decisions in an uncertain situation. All of this took a toll on their mental health. Another big issue was the lack of support. Many residents felt like they were on their own, without enough guidance or resources to cope with the situation. They also struggled with feelings of isolation, as the pandemic made it harder to connect with colleagues and friends. Despite all these challenges, many residents showed incredible resilience. They found ways to support each other and adapt to the new normal. But it's clear that more needs to be done to support these frontline workers, both during and after the pandemic.