• Julie Evans, Michael T Kemp, Samantha J Rivard, Sriganesh B Sharma, Aaron M Williams, Dawn Coleman, Justin Dimick, and Gurjit Sandhu.
• Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
• Ann. Surg. 2021 Sep 1; 274 (3): e295-e300.

ObjectiveTo obtain insights into the effects of surgical training on the well-being of support persons.Summary Background DataSurgical trainee wellness is a critical priority among surgical educators and leaders. The impact of surgical training on the wellness of loved ones who support trainees has not been previously studied.MethodsThis qualitative study employs semi-structured interviews of 32 support persons of surgical trainees at a single tertiary care center with multiple surgical specialty training programs. Interviews focused on perceptions about supporting a surgical trainee. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis with semantic and conceptual coding. Key themes regarding the effects that caring for a trainee has on support persons are reported.ResultsThree key themes were identified: (1) Sacrifices-support persons report significant tangible and intangible sacrifices, (2) Delaying life-life is placed on hold to prioritize training, and (3) A disconnect-there is a disconnect and a lack of recognition of support person needs that require greater awareness and targeted interventions.ConclusionsThe impact of surgical training can extend beyond trainees and can affect the wellness of their support persons who endure the effects of training alongside trainees. Programs should be aware of these effects and develop meaningful strategies to aid trainees and their support persons.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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