Introduction

Research into the academic training of resident physicians in Mexico has steadily grown. However, there are very few qualitative studies on the experiences of future medical specialists, particularly during the first year of academic training when there are a variety of situations that challenge the adaptability of students.

Objective

To determine, describe and interpret the experiences of medical residents during their first year of training and the influence on their welfare and health.

Method

Phenomenological study that included 18 depth interviews was conducted on 13 medical residents. Data collection was completed to obtain saturation. The Atlas.ti® program for qualitative data analysis was used.

Results

Training of medical residents was characterised by work overload, absence of control, and ambiguity in roles to play, lack of support, and scarcity of resources. There were also, imposing, threatening, humiliating, and power relationships with their superiors, as well as discrediting by general practitioners, damage to personal life, stress, and burnout.

Conclusions

The impact that academic training can have on the health of medical residents was manifested differently if one has to move to another city. They need to be offered psychological support during their training and treated as persons deserving support and respect.