The study, conducted among MIR in Family and Community Medicine and hospital specialties, underscores the intense workload faced by these professionals in training. Results indicate that 33.3% of hospital MIR acknowledge it is “common” to work more than 24 consecutive hours without adequate rest, a figure that drops to 23.5% among family medicine MIR.
In addition to long shifts, the survey highlights non-compliance with rest periods. One in three residents in Córdoba hospitals states that the mandatory 36 hours of weekly rest are not respected, a situation that contrasts with 85.3% of family medicine MIR who do enjoy this right.
The training program for this specialty establishes that three to four monthly on-call shifts are recommended, with the fifth being voluntary.
Regarding on-call shifts, 72.8% of hospital MIR perform six or more per month, exceeding training recommendations. In Family and Community Medicine, 50% also exceed this number, with 38.2% performing five monthly shifts, despite the training program suggesting three to four.
This situation directly impacts the mental health of residents. The Medical Union warns of an “especially alarming situation regarding burnout syndrome.” A significant 61.7% of Family Medicine MIR and 36.3% of hospital MIR show a high risk of burnout, potentially requiring professional attention and support.
More than half of the surveyed MIR acknowledge that their mental health has moderately or severely worsened since the start of their residency. This workload is so significant that 23.5% of family medicine MIR and 9.1% of hospital MIR frequently consider abandoning their training. In response, SMA Córdoba has announced an informational meeting for May 4 with MIR from the province, where these issues will be addressed, and legal advice will be offered.
