Dr Meterissian’s arguments are based on conjecture rather than evidence and come across as paternalistic.
Moonlighting is incompatible with residents’ work schedules
Rarely are moonlighting opportunities not regulated in Canada. In almost all moonlighting programs, the added work hours must be approved and monitored closely. In the United States, internal moonlighting hours are counted toward the 80-hour weekly limit on duty hours—as recommended in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines.
Moonlighting is not educational
Studies show residents report that moonlighting enhances residency performance and is a positive educational experience.1
Moonlighting does not offer sufficient financial benefits to warrant the extra work
Increased earnings ease the burden of residents’ loans and debts, greatly reduce stress, and improve lifestyle. Residents with families report that the added money does reduce their debts.2
Moonlighting produces extreme fatigue, which inhibits learning
The independence of moonlighting promotes professional growth, allowing residents to experience real-world clinical practice and to test future practice sites. Issues of duty hours and wellness should not be lumped in with the issue of other work when residents are off duty. Currently, residents in most provinces can provide patient care and medical services under various forms of restricted registration. Residents’ use of free time is their own concern and, as long as they fulfil their educational and training responsibilities, should not be interfered with.
Footnotes
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Competing interests
None declared
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Cet article se trouve aussi en français à la page 1522.
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