A feasibility study implementing virtual Balint groups with medical students

A core competency of medical education is preparing physicians to effectively navigate challenging clinician-patient relationships. Balint groups are used with residents and practicing physicians to increase interpersonal skills and reduce burnout but are rarely included in undergraduate medical education. Virtual Balint offerings recruiting medical students from across programs represent a way to increase accessibility.

The American Balint Society (ABS) instituted a pilot feasibility project to provide virtual Balint groups for medical students. Students were recruited using informational brochures sent to 155 US allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. 150 students from 26 medical schools were recruited and divided into groups of 10-11, comprised of students from different schools and years of education and led by two experienced ABS credentialed leaders. Each group met monthly four times via Zoom, with new groups initiated each semester from Fall 2023 to Spring 2025.

Overall, a total of 150 medical students from 26 different medical schools participated, some for several semesters. Following the Fall 2023 and 2024 groups, participants were surveyed. In total, 31 of 83 (37%) responded; results indicated students reported interpersonal skill improvement, particularly in awareness of the interpersonal context, perspective-taking skills, active listening, and an appreciation for their interpersonal impact on their patients. Qualitative responses indicated a desire for Balint groups to be included in their medical education.

The ABS intends to continue and expand student virtual Balint groups. The goal is to provide Balint opportunities for students at as many medical schools as possible, while providing leadership training for faculty at those schools and initiating research demonstrating valuable outcomes of Balint education.