03/12/2026
In the U.S., resident physicians are officially limited to 80 hours per week under rules from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. These limits were introduced to reduce fatigue and improve patient safety.
But lawsuits like this raise a larger question:
Are these limits truly protecting residents, or does the culture of training still push many beyond them?
Residency is demanding no matter where you train. A few things that helped me get through that period:
• Protect the small things that keep you functional — even short sleep, a quick walk, or a proper meal can make a big difference during long stretches of work.
• Lean on your co-residents — the people going through it with you often become your biggest support system.
• Keep the long view in mind — residency is temporary, but the skills and judgment you build during those years stay with you for your entire career.
It’s one of the toughest phases in medicine, but also one that shapes you in ways few other experiences can.
