Opinion: Restrictive training may foster learned helplessness in doctors

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  STAT published an opinion column arguing that restrictive treatment of resident physicians can foster learned helplessness.

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  The column says some residents must ask permission to use the restroom or take time to eat or drink.

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  It argues that this treatment can be infantilizing even as residents take on growing responsibility for patients’ lives.

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  Learned helplessness is described as stopping efforts to change an unfavorable situation because a person believes they cannot affect the outcome.

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  The column was written by Frances Mei Hardin, a former ear, nose, and throat surgeon.

Who

Resident physicians, and columnist Frances Mei Hardin.

What

Hardin argues that restrictive and infantilizing training can foster learned helplessness in doctors.

When

STAT published the column on October 13, 2026.

Where

Some clinical settings; the article does not identify specific locations.

Why

Hardin says residents may come to believe they have no control over unfavorable situations.

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