(201) The Need for Enhanced Wellness Among Male Resident Physicians: A Critical Look at Participation Rates

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The demanding nature of medical residency-characterized by long working hours, irregular sleep schedules, and high-stress environments-poses significant health risks to resident physicians. These challenging work environments often interfere with resident’s ability to seek healthcare and wellness opportunities. This is further compounded in males who, studies suggest, are less likely to visit a doctor than their female counterparts. While numerous studies have explored specific health concerns such as resident burnout and depression, there remains a pressing need to prioritize overall wellness in this vulnerable population. Objective Our study aims to evaluate the male resident physician response to health and wellness initiatives. Methods This is a prospective study to evaluate male physicians in medical training who elected to undergo wellness screening at our institution. Following approval by the Institutional Review Board, participants were contacted via e-mail regarding participation in men’s health screening. Baseline demographics were obtained including age, specialty, and post-graduation year (PGY). Participants were asked to complete the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires in additional to obtaining lab work: BMP, CBC, Lipid panel, thyroid panel, testosterone, FSH, LSH, and estradiol. Survey questionnaire data was obtained through Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCAP). Results Out of 651 male residents and fellows, only 27 residents expressed interest in participation (response rate 4.1%). Of those, 66.7% (18/27) completed the surveys, and a mere 33.3% (6/18) completed the lab tests. While physical parameters scored highly (Table 1), role limitations due to emotional problems and energy/fatigue raised significant concerns with median scores of 50% and 47.5%, respectively. Similarly, perceived health change was stagnant with a median score of 50%. General health perception was middling at 62.5% whereas emotional well-being (72%) and social functioning (68.8%) were comparatively better, but not reaching optimal levels. Conclusions The low participation in voluntary health screenings among male resident physicians underscores a pressing need for enhanced wellness programs tailored to this group. It is vital for medical institutions to address barriers to participation and create a culture that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of its residents. These efforts may lead to better detection and management of health issues, improved overall wellness, and a more positive experience during the demanding period of residency. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Tolmar pharmaceuticals.