Perseverance and Grit
“In particular, grit describes the capacity to sustain both effort and interest in projects that take long durations to complete, as in surgical residency training…”
Citing a prospective, multi-institutional study on grit and attrition across 12 general surgery resident programs (“Grit: A marker of residents at risk for attrition?”), the authors point to results indicating that grit appears to be a “promising marker and risk factor for attrition from surgical residency.” The authors of the grit/attrition study recommend that programs “consider screening for grit in current residents and directing support to those residents with below-median values, with a focus on building family, friend, and formal mentor relationships.”
Growing Grit
First, say the authors, those who undertake the surgical training process will be best served by the belief that they can grow. “Unfortunately, when some face a setback, they give up because they think it is a sign that they never had ‘what it takes’ to succeed; thus, they have a ‘fixed mindset.’ By adopting a ‘growth mindset’ with hope, you can change your approach to build your grit. Thus, you can learn to stick with something, even when the going is not easy, especially over a period of residency training.”
Second, they say, accept frustrations and failure as part of the process. Asked how a mentor could help a trainee accept failure, Dr. Albert commented to OTW, “Be there for them. Help them realize that it is a part of life and to use it and turn it into a potential positive/opportunity for the future.”
Third, the authors note the value of “focused productivity.” To this end, Dr. Albert and his co-authors recommend the Pomodoro Technique, a time management system whereby you break the activity into 25-minute work periods separated by 5-minute breaks. “The constant timing of your activities makes you more accountable for your tasks and minimizes the time you spend procrastinating….”
Mentoring
Noting that “Residencies with formal mentoring programs have shown substantial effects on personal development, career guidance, career choice, and research productivity,” the study authors say, “The mentor-mentee relationship builds a stronger sense of community among colleagues, providing professional fulfillment and job satisfaction outside our regular tasks as surgeons.”
Definitely a win-win for surgeons…and ultimately, their patients.
