Burnout on the Runway: Lessons for Physicians about Rest From Pilots

It is often said that with great power comes great responsibility. This is especially true for professions that directly impact the lives and safety of people, such as pilots and physicians. The aviation industry has long recognized the importance of balancing work and rest for pilots, with regulations stipulating a minimum rest period of 8 hours after 12 hours of work, and a 48-hour rest period after five consecutive 12-hour shifts. These measures are put in place to ensure safety – a rested pilot is less likely to make errors that could lead to catastrophic consequences. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the medical profession, particularly for resident physicians, whose work hours are regulated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

ACGME standards currently allow resident physicians to work up to 24 hours, with an additional 6 hours allocated for continuity of care and education. This totals a staggering 30 hours of continuous clinical and educational work. While the nature of their work is undoubtedly different from that of pilots, the potential consequences of fatigue-induced errors are just as severe. Lives are at stake in both professions, and it is therefore crucial that resident physicians are given adequate rest to perform their duties effectively and safely.

The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function is well-documented. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can result in diminished attent