Information about medical residency?

I've heard that there has been alot of reform in residency requirements, is that true? How many hrs/wk do residents have to work? Are there variations depending on where you are a resident? I'm really afraid that I would not be able to stay up for as long as I've heard of people working and still be an effective doctor. And I'm married and I don't want to wreck that. I do like working long hours and would like to have a busy job.
Answers:
Yes, about 3 or 4 years ago changes were made that limit the number of hours per week limit the maximum number of shifts. You can look here for the specifics:
http://www.acgme.org/acwebsite/dutyhours.Depending on the residency you choose, most days you will work a typical 8-10 hour day, and then be "on call" at the hospital, say, every 4th night or so (roughly). When on-call you may or may not get sleep (depending on type of residency and seniority usually). But with the restrictions there is plenty of time to recooperate sleep between call nights. And most residencies really don't have a choice anymore as to whether they can follow the guidelines. If they don't, nowadays they lose their accreditation.Medicine is very rewarding but it is a commitment. Not only being gone when on call but having to study for boards, etc. I was married during residency (and this was before the changes), and while there were some rocky and stressful times, I never felt like our marriage was in jeopardy. If you are on solid ground you should be fine, but make sure you and your spouse have a good understanding of what the commitments are.Good luck!

---

Right now medical residents are limited to an 80 hours per week (on average over 4 weeks), shifts no longer than 30 hours, overnight call no more than once every 3 days and at least 10 hours off between shifts. These requirements apply to all residents in the US, regardless of location or field.In practice, you can definitely expect to work 80 hours a week and you will almost certainly have some 30 hour shifts during your intern year (and possibly beyond). Unfortunately these rules are often bent by hospital administration, so don't be surprised if you end up working 90 hours a week some of the time.Yes, residency puts a definite strain on marriages. Still, many residents are married and manage to keep their relationships together just fine. It definitely takes effort on both parts though, and it's a decision that your spouse must support if you are going to make it work.

---