b'Commensality: Its What the Doctor OrderedBy Chris Morris, DOEmergency Medicine is a high-stress,and a high risk of burnout. A pilot fast-paced field where healthcarestudy at Allegheny General Hospital providers are often exposed to physicalexplored the impact of structured and emotional strain. Burnout, mentalcommensality groupsshared health challenges, and professionalmeals in a non-clinical settingon disengagement are prevalentresident well-being, collaboration, and issues among emergency medicineresilience. Over six months, residents professionals, stemming from irregularengaged in guided discussions on work hours, intense workloads, andstress management and teamwork limited opportunities for connectionwhile sharing meals facilitated by with colleagues. Commensalitythea faculty member. Pre- and post-act of sharing mealshas long beenintervention surveys (Fig 1) measured associated with fostering interpersonaloutcomes related to burnout utilizing Chris Morris, DO connections and promoting emotionalthe abbreviated Maslach Burnout well-being. Inventory, satisfaction in medicine Emergency medicine residents faceand overall perceived burnout. The intense workloads, emotional strain,results were promising: burnout Figure 1 scores decreased significantly, depersonalization levels dropped, and career satisfaction improved. This study highlights commensality as a simple, cost-effective wellness strategy that could be scaled across residency programs to enhance team dynamics and mitigate burnout.Pictured below are Dr. Chris Morris and residents from AGH at a recent commensality dinner.10 PACEP News | Fall 2025'