Part 4/8:
In general surgery, for instance, Sean describes his typical work hours—often jumping between 60 and 80 per week, especially when on 24-hour call. Subsequent rotations varied significantly: during his cardiology rotation, he worked about 40 hours per week, while the demanding focus of his internal medicine rotation forced him back into 72-80 hours weekly. Most notably, his time in the ICU was grueling, often requiring upwards of 100 hours of effort when including study time for board exams.
The Strain of Residency
Through his vivid descriptions, Sean conveys the stress and intensity of his work. He notes that even during off-hours, the responsibilities of residency loom large, impacting his ability to rest, as he remained on call and had to be readily available for patient emergencies.