Medical Student Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Introduction: Over recent years, more training programs across the country have unionized. This movement has been driven by a desire for improved benefits and wellness. However, this has been met with some hesitancy from faculty. This study aims to investigate how familiar trainees and faculty are with the process and explore their perspectives.
Methods: A survey was distributed to program coordinators and directors for dispersal to residents and faculty. Respondents completed a series of demographic questions and were asked to share their perspectives on the potential benefits and harms of unionization. All respondents also completed a series of 7 multiple choice questions about the unionization process to assess familiarity.
Results: Eighty-three percent of residents were between ages 25 and 34, while the remaining 17% were between ages 35 and 44. For faculty, 64% were between ages 35 and 44. The remaining 36% were 45 and older. The residents were split 50% male and 50% female, but the faculty respondents included 86% males and 14% females. Eighty-three percent of residents and 64% of faculty reported practicing at urban centers. The average percentage of accurate responses for each of the 7 understanding questions was 44% for residents and 45% for faculty. Residents most frequently identified inadequate rest and subpar salaries as the biggest challenges of the current training model. They identified a better salary to hours worked ratio and additional stipend benefits as key improvements that could come from the unionization process. Lack of sufficient support staff and program size were the current challenges most commonly mentioned by faculty. Faculty reported concerns over a loss of flexibility and neurosurgery program-specific benefits if they unionize.
Conclusion : As more training programs consider unionizing, residents and faculty underscored potential benefits and hesitations. These findings demonstrate the need for increased awareness about the unionization process.
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