"The July Effect"

New evidence supports the reality of a “July Effect” when newly minted M.D.s begin their training as residents. Two recent articles cited in a NY Times blog describe the uptick of medical errors as first year residents learn how to care for patients. “Learning means making mistakes” says author Teresa Brown. She relates an incident in which she had to go over a first-year resident’s head when he denied her request to increase pain medication for a dying patient. Her recommendation as an experienced oncology nurse is for more collaboration among staff as respectful allies, recognizing the shared responsibility of all for proper and compassionate treatment of patients.