Experiences of Identity-Related Vigilance in Surgical Trainees

In this qualitative study, surgical residents described experiencing vigilance as the perception of identity-related threats, the adjustment of self-presentation accordingly, and the monitoring of the environment for risk. Participants expressed that this process imposed significant emotional and cognitive demands, contributing to fatigue, burnout, and, in some cases, thoughts of leaving surgery; however, they identified opportunities on the programmatic level to mitigate the negative consequences of vigilance.

Corresponding Author: Jamila K. Picart, MD, MSc, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (picartj@med.umich.edu).

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