Panorama of medical residencies in Gynecology and Obstetrics in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Medical residences in Mexico have been around for around 80 years. Medical residency is a period of challenges and sacrifices for the doctor who wants to pursue a specialty. These must be adapted to modern times to train upright and competitive specialists who are capable of solving the growing social challenges that the population demands.

Objective: To inform about the current panorama of Gynecology and Obstetrics residencies, as well as related subspecialties in Mexico.

Method: Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study in which 368 residents who were studying the specialty of Gynecology and Obstetrics or one of its subspecialties in Mexico were surveyed. A questionnaire of 51 questions was applied, inquiring about the most relevant characteristics of the residences.

Results: Relevant information was collected from 368 Gynecology and Obstetrics residents, 74.4% of whom were women, with an average age of 29.1 years. Ninety-one-five percent of them were completing their residency in public institutions, reporting an average workload of 61-80 hours per week. 67.3% of respondents experienced some type of conflict with family members or patients, and this figure increased to 75% when it involved a superior. Another common problem among residents was the presence of depressive symptoms, which were reported by 85.2% of participants.

Conclusions: It is necessary to know the current panorama of residences in our country, in order to update and improve the programs, without losing sight of the needs and well-being of the residents.