A Gamified Wellness Program is Associated With Reduced Emotional Exhaustion in Surgical Residents
Lindsey Loss1, Phillip D Jenkins1, Madelaine Hack1
1Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Background:
Burnout is a persistent challenge in surgical training, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our department launched The Torch Tournament, a gamified, team-based wellness initiative designed to improve engagement and reduce burnout. This study evaluates its implementation and effects on burnout and loneliness.
Methods:
Members of a single academic surgical department were invited to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to teams and earned points for educational, social, wellness, and community-building activities. Validated surveys were administered pre-intervention (2023), post-year 1 (2024), and post-year 2 (2025). Scores were categorized into risk levels, and changes were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests, with subgroup analysis for residents.
Results:
Over 200 members participated, with 237 completing at least 1 survey. Department-wide burnout and loneliness remained stable. Among residents, the proportion with high emotional exhaustion decreased from 23.5% to 8.7% post-year 2 (p = 0.024), with no significant changes in depersonalization, personal accomplishment, or loneliness.
Conclusion:
A low-cost, gamified intervention was associated with reduced emotional exhaustion among surgical residents and represents a scalable strategy to support trainee well-being.
