Commensality Initiative: A Survey of Radiologists to Evaluate the Effects of Shared Meals on Burnout and Job...

Commensality, sharing meals, has long been recognized as a catalyst for connection, reflection, and community. In medicine, however, opportunities for communal gathering have diminished. This pilot study evaluated the impact of structured commensality groups on radiologists' well-being, including burnout, job satisfaction, empathy, and sense of connection, and assessed whether these effects persisted after 6 months.

An anonymous survey was distributed to 120 radiologists between September and October 2024 to assess interest in a commensality initiative. Three groups of seven faculty members participated in facilitated shared dinners three times over 6 months, with discussions centered on meaning, appreciation, and interpersonal connection. Identical pre- and postintervention surveys, including validated wellness instruments, assessed career satisfaction, burnout, and empathy. A subset of participants and non-participants completed a follow-up survey at 6 months.

59 radiologists responded to the baseline survey (49%), with 61% (36/59) expressing interest. Those reporting ≥1 symptom of burnout were more likely to be interested (83% vs. 65%, p = 0.05). Among participants, burnout scores decreased significantly postintervention (p = 0.023), with directional improvements in career satisfaction and empathy. The proportion denying decreased connection to patients increased from 33% to 65% (p = 0.043). At 6 months, participants continued to endorse the program as valuable (100% vs 76% of non-participants, p = 0.048) and were more likely to express interest in future participation (100% vs. 57%, p = 0.001).

Facilitated shared meals represent a feasible, low-cost intervention that enhances collegiality, empathy, and community while reducing short-term burnout.