Depression in OB-GYN residents needs more attention, study suggests
Every summer, more than 1,600 recent medical school graduates start training to become obstetrician-gynecologists at hospitals across the United States.
Each year, over 1,600 medical graduates begin training to become obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) across U.S. hospitals. During the first year of this demanding residency, a study found that one-third of these residents may experience clinical depression. While only one-third of affected residents sought mental health assistance, the researchers emphasize the need for better support, particularly given the national shortage of OB-GYNs and the unique pressures faced by this female-dominated specialty.
Of the 1,270 participants in the study, 88% were women. The research, part of the Health Equity and Retention in Obstetrics and Gynecology (HERO) Project, aimed to identify support strategies to retain OB-GYN practitioners and ensure continued patient care. Helen Kang Morgan, M.D., co-principal investigator and senior author, noted that a significant portion of new OB-GYNs are struggling and not receiving needed help, suggesting a potential shift to an opt-in mental health support model.
The data were collected as part of the Intern Health Study, which has tracked the mental health of over 30,000 interns over two decades, providing valuable insights into depression triggers and prevention strategies.
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