On‐call absences and academic recognition: A retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundResident call schedules require careful planning and are vulnerable to unanticipated absences from unpredictable factors. We tested whether unplanned absences from resident call schedules were associated with the likelihood of subsequent academic recognition.MethodsWe examined unplanned absences from call shifts for internal medicine residents at the University of Toronto from 2014 to 2022 (8 years). We identified institutional awards granted at the end of the academic year as an indicator of academic recognition. We defined the resident‐year as the unit‐of‐analysis that started in July and ended in June of the subsequent year. Secondary analyses examined the association between unplanned absences and the likelihood of academic recognition in later years.ResultsWe identified 1668 resident‐years of training in internal medicine. In total, 579 (35%) had an unplanned absence, and the remaining 1089 (65%) had no unplanned absence. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups of residents. In total, 301 awards were received for academic recognition. The likelihood of receiving an award at the end of the year was 31% lower for residents who had any unplanned absence compared with those who had no absence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.93, p = 0.015). The likelihood of receiving an award was further decreased for residents with multiple unplanned absences compared with those with none (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.33–0.83, p = 0.008). An absence during the first year of residency was not significantly associated with the likelihood of academic recognition in later years of training (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.36–1.04, p = 0.081).ConclusionsThe results of this analysis suggest unplanned absences from scheduled call shifts may be associated with a decreased likelihood of academic recognition for internal medicine residents. This association could reflect countless confounders or the prevailing culture of medicine.