When we think of gossip, our minds often drift to the latest celebrity news and entertainment. However, gossip isn't confined to Hollywood; it also permeates professional environments, including graduate medical education (GME). Gossip, a term often associated with idle chatter and unverified information, can be defined as informal conversations about an absent third party, typically involving details that are not confirmed or verified.

The Nature of Gossip in Residency Programs

Recently, students at the MGH Institute investigated the phenomenon of gossip in GME. GME refers to physician trainees who are in residency or fellowship programs. These programs are intense, high-pressure environments where trainees undergo rigorous training to become fully licensed physicians. Given the close-knit nature of these programs, gossip is inevitable as it often serves as a source of news and information.

Gossip in medical residency programs can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, sharing information about colleagues can help build camaraderie and provide emotional support. On the other hand, gossip can lead to misunderstandings, damage reputations, and create a toxic work environment. It's essential for trainees and faculty to navigate these waters carefully, balancing the need for information and social interaction with professional integrity.

Insights from Research

In a study by Joseph L’Huillier et al., key components of gossip dynamics and impacts in surgical education were outlined. They interviewed surgical residents and found that gossip has both accelerants and deterrents, and that it can have positive and negative effects. Essentially, their study deconstructed gossip within surgical residency, developing a model to understand the process of gossip as well as overarching themes to explain the phenomenon. Additionally, the team worked with faculty to understand their perspectives on gossip. An interesting outcome of the study was that some faculty members’ evaluative conversations were intended to be feedback, even though they met the definition of gossip.

Another alum from the MGH Institute, Michael Chaikof, spent time researching gossip in GME, specifically in obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry training programs. Chaikof and his team found that gossip in the workplace served both positive and negative roles. More specifically, they found that gossip fell into categories such as “the good,” “the bad,” and “the complicated.” They also developed a model to explain the gossip triad, differentiating downward gossip (gossip across the hierarchy) from level gossip (gossip about peers).

Managing Gossip in GME

Overall, these researchers and their faculty mentor found that gossip is not completely negative despite its often negative connotation. Instead, it is nuanced and has value in certain spaces. Gossip is an inevitable part of any environment; thus, its negative impact should be managed through conscious effort and a commitment to professionalism. By fostering a culture of respect and open communication, GME programs can minimize the negative effects of gossip and create a more supportive and effective training environment.

To achieve this, L’Huillier et al. recommend being intentional and mindful by increasing transparency and building both awareness and emotional intelligence. Promoting open communication can help reduce the spread of rumors. When residents feel comfortable discussing issues directly, there's less room for gossip to thrive. Setting clear boundaries and maintaining a focus on patient care can help keep conversations productive and respectful. Faculty and senior residents should model appropriate behavior, demonstrating how to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Conclusion

While gossip is an inevitable part of any social environment, its impact can be managed through conscious effort and a commitment to professionalism. By fostering a culture of respect and open communication, residency programs can minimize the negative effects of gossip and create a more supportive and effective training environment. Understanding the nature of gossip and its potential impact allows medical residents to better navigate their professional relationships and focus on their primary goal: becoming skilled and compassionate physicians.

 

Reference material:

L'Huillier, J. C., Silvestri, C., Brian, R., Moreci, R., Clanahan, J., Lund, S. B., Williamson, A. J. H., Anand, A., Gan, C., Thornton, S. W., Woodward, J. M., & White, B. A. (2025). The anatomy of gossip: Dissecting dynamics and impacts in surgical residency. Surgery, 180. 109126. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2024.109126    

L'Huillier, J. C., Woodward, J. M., Lund, S., Gan, C. Y., Moreci, R., Silvestri, C., Brian, R., Zarate Rodriguez, J. G., Roshal, J., & White, B. A. A. (2024). Is it gossip or feedback? Surgical attendings' perceptions of gossip within residency. Journal of surgical education, 81(10), 1362–1373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.07.004

Chaikof, M., Bodley, J., Farrugia, M., Tannenbaum, E., & White, B. A. (2024). A qualitative study of workplace gossip in the residency learning environment. Journal of graduate medical education, 16(6), 684–690. https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-24-00153.1