Preparing Trainees to Rebound from Surgical Complications

In this review, we aim to summarize the impact of surgical complications and adverse events on surgeons, including psychiatric illnesses. We evaluate current programs to develop trainee well-being and investigate research within the field of urology.

Surgical complications and adverse events affect all surgeons, including surgical trainees. Research estimates that 80% of healthcare professionals have been involved in an event that affected them emotionally. These events can affect physicians in many ways, ranging from negatively impacting their quality of life to leading to psychiatric disorders such as acute stress reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, there is no standardized preparation to equip trainees to manage and rebound from the profound emotional impact of surgical complications.

Data in this realm is insufficient, especially in urology, and we need more research in order to better evaluate emotional implications of complications on trainees and how we can prepare trainees to handle them.