• William J Ares, Brian T Jankowitz, Peter Kan, Alejandro M Spiotta, Peter Nakaji, Jason D Wilson, Kyle M Fargen, Edwin Ramos, Jody Leonardo, and Ramesh Grandhi.
• 1Department of Neurosurgery, Northshore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois.
• J. Neurosurg. 2023 Apr 1; 138 (4): 113911461139-1146.

ObjectiveBurnout and work-life balance have been noted to be problems for residents across all fields of medicine, including neurosurgery. No studies to date have evaluated how these factors may contribute to issues outside of the hospital, specifically residents' home lives. This study aimed to evaluate the interplay between home life and work life of neurosurgical residents, specifically from the point of view of residents' significant others.MethodsOnline surveys were distributed to the significant others of neurosurgical residents at 12 US neurosurgery residencies. Residents' partners were asked about relationship dynamics, their views on neurosurgery residency (work-life balance and burnout), and their views of neurosurgery as a career.ResultsThe majority of residents' significant others (84%) reported being satisfied with their relationship. Significant others who reported dissatisfaction with their relationship were more likely to report frustration with work-life balance and more likely to report their resident partner as having higher levels of burnout.ConclusionsFrom the perspective of neurosurgery residents' significant others, higher perceived levels of burnout and lower satisfaction with work-life balance are correlated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. These findings speak to the complex interplay of work life and home life and can be used to inform future interventions into improving the quality of life for both the resident and the significant other.

13 keywords...

hide…