Sense of Belonging from Celebrated Identity: Getting to Know Interns Through Surgical Grand Rounds

Surgical training is demanding and can be isolating, placing residents at risk for burnout and attrition. A strong sense of belonging and supportive relationships with peers and faculty are protective, promoting well-being and retention. We implemented an Incoming Intern Grand Rounds Quick Talk session to foster belonging by allowing interns to introduce their personal identities to the Department of Surgery at the start of residency.

Incoming general, plastic, and vascular surgery interns delivered brief introduction presentations highlighting their backgrounds, research, hobbies, and passions during Department of Surgery Grand Rounds. Interns received a template, sample presentations, and individualized practice sessions with feedback before the event. A one-month post-session survey assessed perceived impact on belonging, connections, and departmental culture.

Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco.

Twenty-one incoming surgery interns (16 general [8 categorical, 8 preliminary], 4 plastic, and 1 vascular).

All interns reported that the session contributed positively to departmental culture, improved their transition into residency, helped them feel more connected to their co-interns, and should be continued for future cohorts. Most interns felt that their presence and story were valued, they were seen as more than just their role of intern, and the session provided a sense of belonging. Qualitative responses revealed recurring themes of appreciation for being known beyond clinical roles, strengthened cohort connection, gratitude that the Department learned about them as individuals, and a culture of welcome and value.

A structured introduction session at Grand Rounds was well-received by incoming interns and fostered a sense of belonging, connection, and value within the department. This simple, scalable intervention may help surgical programs build community, reduce isolation, and support resident well-being from the outset of training.