Briefing

The early years of a doctor's working life tend to be tough, and the problems tend to be systemic. The reality for individuals is that they must cope with life here and now, even if working conditions are not perhaps as they should be. Staying human during residency training is a Canadian psychiatrist's attempt at ameliorating the life of the North American resident, and many of the issues it covers are applicable to junior doctors wherever they might be. Among the topics covered are identifying the right jobs, getting enough sleep, avoiding substance misuse, forming a support group, and resolving ethical dilemmas. Peterkin AD. Staying human during residency training, 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1999.