A Supportive Culture Maintains General Surgery Wellness.

This article focuses on evaluating resident-driven wellness initiatives in a surgical residency program during the COVID-19 pandemic to address burnout and maintain well-being despite social restrictions. A voluntary committee implemented interventions such as additional workspaces, peer mentorship, adjusted call schedules, and department apparel, with surveys administered before and six months after these changes. Results showed stable wellness measures overall and significant improvements in faculty mentorship and reduced burnout among first-year residents. The study suggests that resident-led, workplace-focused strategies can effectively support surgical resident wellness without relying on large in-person gatherings. Limitations include its single-center design, a higher response rate from junior residents, and a short follow-up period.