For a study, the researchers sought to gain new perspectives on the effects of surgical training on trainees’ well-being. Given the high incidence of burnout, depression, and suicide among physicians, improving trainee well-being was a national concern. Supporters of surgical trainees may be able to provide new insights on the consequences of surgical training as well as methods for improving trainee health. The qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 32 trainees’ support people at a single tertiary care hospital that offers different surgical training programs. The interviews were on perspectives on assisting a surgical trainee. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed qualitatively using semantic and conceptual coding. The impacts of training on trainee welfare were discussed in depth. There were 4 central motifs identified: Who can withstand the most adversity? —trainee characteristics and programming aspects contribute to trainees’ feeling compelled to withstand the most adversity at all times; Consequences of Suffering—having to deal with adversity regularly had a considerable detrimental impact on one’s health; Trainees were Humans—trainees were persons who have basic human desires, including the desire to be valued; Research Time as a Haven—dedicated research time was viewed as a haven apart from the trials of clinical practice. Support persons’ perspectives might provide insight into surgical trainees’ well-being needs. Surgical training, according to supporters, has a significant negative influence on trainee health. Dedicated research time, unlike clinical training, was a time where wellness can be valued. Programs should emphasize reducing the adverse effects of surgical training and fostering well-being continuously throughout the program.
