Resident physicians: Unionizing is a game-changer for us
by Wen Chen
June 2023 was a momentous time for the resident physicians at Wayne State University. We received official recognition of our newly formed union, the Alliance of Resident Physicians (ARP), which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers. It was an incredible feeling to know that we now have the support we need to improve conditions for ourselves and, most important, for our patients.
As a fifth-year resident in urology, I had witnessed the challenges faced by residents at Wayne State before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was determined to make a difference. Now, with our union, we finally have the opportunity to suggest changes that could make everything better for everyone involved.
The organizing effort leading up to the union’s formation seemed like the perfect storm.
The organizing effort leading up to the union’s formation seemed like the perfect storm. An undercurrent of support for unionization had been brewing, and when we took the initiative to poll and survey our fellow residents, the response was overwhelming. Handing out union cards was the final spark that set everything into motion; and before we knew it, we were officially recognized.
For those who aren’t familiar with the medical field, let me explain what resident physicians are. We’ve graduated from medical school, so we’re doctors, but we still undergo additional training to specialize in our chosen fields. This period of residency is intense; we work long hours, take care of patients, attend clinics, board exams and surgeries — all with the goal of becoming skilled specialists. However, in recent years, the challenges we face have grown, impacting not only us but also our patients and the staff around us.
One of the major issues that pushed us to unionize was the lack of support for residents and our duties. Some programs provided inadequate facilities, like computer stations or call rooms, for the residents. Call rooms were especially crucial, considering our shifts could last up to a grueling 28 hours without guaranteed breaks for meals, bathroom visit, or rest. It’s vital for residents to have a place to rest, as you wouldn’t want exhausted doctors caring for you, right?
We believe that each specialty should have dedicated call rooms, but often, they are shared among departments. This means that if multiple people are on call overnight and need rest at the same time, only one person gets access to the call room, leaving the others to find makeshift solutions like sleeping in their cars or workrooms without proper beds.
The lack of adequate computer stations is also problematic. For instance, in the anesthesia department, there were only a handful of computer stations for multiple residents, causing constant shuffling around to access them for patient care and research. This led to concerns about patient safety.
The lack of staffing for nurses and patient care technicians also impacts working conditions. We want to help and sometimes take on tasks like putting in a nasal gastric tube to decompress patients and transporting patients; these tasks take time away from our duties.
By unionizing, we hope to set clear guidelines that encourage hiring more nurses and ancillary staff to support patients and residents.
By unionizing, we hope to set clear guidelines that encourage hiring more nurses and ancillary staff to support patients and residents. We also want to ensure that the university follows regulations governing the conditions provided by residency programs. These includes basic needs such as call rooms and transportation to and from hospitals.
Speaking of transportation, it’s not uncommon to hear about exhausted residents getting into car accidents after their shifts because they’re too tired to drive safely. We need a solution for this, and part of it involves creating clear policies that promote work-life balance within our residency programs.
Another significant issue we are addressing is our pay. With inflation at record highs, our salaries have not kept up with the increased cost of living, making it challenging to make ends meet. Unionizing provides us with another avenue to negotiate fair compensation and ensure our financial well-being.
Since we’ve just unionized, we’re still gathering responses to determine our top priorities. The most important thing for us right now is to work together toward the common goal of providing safe and efficient patient care. Unionizing offers us the opportunity to collaborate with Wayne State administration, which is crucial in delivering the best care to Detroit’s vulnerable population.
In the past, when our Residents’ Council, of which I am a member, asked to sit in on contract negotiations, we were denied. However, with the power of the union behind us, we plan to have a voice and influence in the entire negotiation process. This is a game-changer for all of us, and we’re excited to see what positive changes lie ahead.
We’ve come a long way; and I believe that together we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our patients and the medical community as a whole. The ARP represents hope, progress and a united front — and we’re ready to face the challenges and champion the improvements we all deserve.
Wen Chen is a fifth-year resident in urology at Wayne State University and a member of the newly formed Alliance of Resident Physicians.
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