Support groups and other supportive efforts in residency programs

Abstract

Support groups and various other supportive efforts have been reported to be a positive factor in the management of stress. In the present paper, the author reviews medical residency programs that offer support groups and have taken other steps in support of the residents' adjustment. The author suggests that residency programs might offer residents support groups that are flexible and convenient and might provide other psychological and social support. Support can be institutionalized through the provision of advisers, individual and marital counseling, and recognition of the importance of residents' emotional health and development.