Enhancing mental health support in surgical residency through residency-sponsored psychiatrist led group sessions

Abstract Introduction Surgical residency is a demanding and high-stress phase in a physician’s career. The emotional toll of patient care combined with life events often results in a high prevalence of burnout, depression, and anxiety among surgical residents. Due to concerns with our SECOND trial survey results in relation to the mental health of our residents we implemented a new program at our academic institution. This program allowed residents to participate in psychiatrist-led group sessions during protected educational time. We then evaluated the resident perceptions following the implementation of this program about stigma and beliefs surrounding mental health, barriers to seeking assistance and program culture. Methods Residents from a general surgery program at a single academic institution attended psychiatrist-led group sessions with their postgraduate year (PGY) classmates approximately once every 2 months for 18 months from 2021 to 2023. The sessions followed a curriculum but were adaptable to residents’ needs and concerns. Participants completed a voluntary survey to evaluate the program, as well as their attitudes and perceptions of barriers and stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance. Results Participants attended an average of 4.5 sessions. Residents who attended group sessions were eight times more likely to recognize signs of burnout in peers and three times more likely to disagree that seeking mental health assistance carries stigma within the program. Over 70% of respondents felt comfortable speaking up and turning to co-residents for support. However, time (80%) and accessibility (60%) were cited as the primary barriers to mental health care. After the program’s initiation, 12% of respondents sought personalized mental health care for the first time. Among respondents, 48% had sought mental health care prior to residency, and 67% of these individuals continued care with the psychiatrist after the program began. Conclusions The widespread acceptance of this intervention highlights the importance of integrating mental health education to promote trainee wellness. Psychiatrist-led, residency-sponsored group sessions fostered camaraderie and reduced stigma surrounding mental illness in surgical training. More significantly, these sessions served as a gateway for residents to pursue formal individual counseling when needed.