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 insights.

Massive Workload

• Hospitals were overflowing with patients.
• Staff were stretched thin.
• Long hours and little time to rest or recover.
• Many felt exhausted and overwhelmed.

Stress and Anxiety

• Worries about catching the virus themselves.
• Fear of passing it on to their families.
• Pressure of making life-and-death decisions in uncertain situations.
• Significant toll on mental health.

Lack of Support

• Many residents felt isolated and unsupported.
• Insufficient guidance or resources to cope.
• Difficulty connecting with colleagues and friends.

Resilience and Adaptation

• Despite challenges, residents showed incredible resilience.
• Found ways to support each other.
• Adapted to the new normal.

Conclusion

It's clear that more needs to be done to support these frontline workers, both during and after the pandemic.