Strength in Connection: Addressing Anesthesia Resident Isolation Through Structured Bonding Sessions

Anesthesiology residents face unique challenges due to the isolating nature of our work, which primarily involves brief sessions of one-on-one learning with attending physicians in the operating room. The limited interaction with peers has contributed to high burnout rates and low wellness scores in our Anesthesiology program at the University of Utah. To address this, we implemented structured wellness activities including a Welcome Weekend, Decompression Dinners, and a Pickleball tournament to foster peer connection, mitigate isolation, and reduce burnout. Our aim for the 2024-2025 academic year was to engage at least 75% of residents in these voluntary activities. Survey results showed that 88.9% of respondents participated in at least one event. The same percentage reported they felt closer to their co-residents, developed a sense of community, and had space to discuss work challenges/frustrations at these events. Notably, those who found the sessions unhelpful had not attended any events. Overall, these wellness initiatives have strengthened community among our anesthesiology residents, and we are grateful to have received financial support from a GME wellness grant to make them possible. In the future we would like to expand these efforts to continue to improve resident well-being.