Welcome to July everybody! To introduce the first day of the new month, let’s talk about an ongoing medical phenomenon: the July Effect. This is the notion that there is an increase in the risk of medical errors and surgical complications that occurs when newly graduated medical students enter teaching hospitals, and interns and junior residents assume new responsibilities. This Harvard article even suggests that doctors with more experience should play a larger role in the care of high-risk patients during this month. However, this article, published in the National Library of Medicine, suggests there is a lack of strong supporting evidence of this effect. Despite this all, The American Journal of Medicine published a survey in 2016 indicating that most internal medicine residency program directors believe in the potential of the July Effect. So, poll time! Do you believe that the July Effect is real or not? Click ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the live poll under the ‘Upcoming Events’ section of the community home page, save your answer, and see what your fellow community peers are thinking! Feel free to reply to this message with your thoughts on this interesting phenomenon as well!
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Hermela Dereje
Digital Engagement Intern
Association of American Medical Colleges
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