Proposed ACGME rule changes could strip resident doctors of mandatory rest periods

Arifeen Rahman, a clinical instructor in rhinology at the Medical University of South Carolina, recounts working 90-hour weeks as a junior otolaryngology resident in 2023, often exceeding the ACGME-mandated 80-hour limit but relying on required rest periods to stay functional.

Current ACGME regulations mandate at least eight hours off between scheduled shifts and additional time off after extended duty periods, creating buffers that protect residents from fatigue and reduce the risk of errors.

The council now proposes to drop the eight-hour gap requirement and shorten the mandatory recovery time after long shifts, arguing for greater flexibility in scheduling.

Critics warn that eroding these safeguards could increase burnout among trainees and jeopardize patient safety, especially in high-intensity procedural specialties.