Grit: a marker of residents at risk for attrition?

Background: Attrition from general surgery residency remains constant at approximately 20% despite nearly a decade of work-hour reform and studies aiming to identify common risk factors. High rates of attrition from training have a wide impact, from the overall quality of trainees produced to implications on public health and the broader surgical work force. We set out to evaluate a novel character trait, grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, as a marker and potential risk factor for resident attrition.