Resident Stress | Family Medicine | School of Medicine

Note from Dr. Matt Stacey

Resident stress is a real issue during the intense one-year training program. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to call or meet with me. It is not uncommon that a resident needs to meet due to issues of stress every year, and I am happy to do whatever I can to help or accommodate. If I am unable to help you personally, I will assist in finding the resources you might need. Your Chief Resident, the Assistant Program Director or your Faculty Advisor may also be resources whom you may wish to contact.

Stress from a variety of sources during residency training is common and it is important to recognize. Residents are encouraged to speak to their rotation supervisors or the Program Director at any time about stressful situations. It is our goal to be helpful and supportive.

Faculty Advisors assigned to Department of Family Medicine residents during the PGY-1 and PGY-2 years continue to fulfill that function during the PGY-3 year. For residents new to the Queen’s Program in the PGY-3 year, a Faculty Advisor will be assigned (see list in your resident handbook). We encourage you to utilize your Faculty Advisor at any time but especially during times of stress.

The Resident Advisory Committee of the Department of Family Medicine, chaired by the Chief Residents (of the Core Program), has as one of its mandates, the identification of resident stress. The Chief Resident of the Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine (PGY-3) Program also can be helpful in communicating issues that are causing stress to the Program Committee.

The PARO contract which helps to ensure an appropriate balance of clinical work, academic activity and time away from medical responsibilities, is respected by the Program and the Faculty.

For more information, please refer to the Postgraduate Medical Education Resident Health and Wellness website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matt Stacey

Office: 613-533-9300 ext 73005

Email: matthew.stacey@queensu.ca