Can a monthly meal fight burnout? new study tests 'Commensality Groups' for med students

NCT ID NCT06656650

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Southern California Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether monthly group meals with guided conversation can reduce burnout and loneliness in medical students during their clinical rotations. Eighty students will be randomly assigned to attend at least three of six monthly meals led by a resident. The goal is to see if this simple approach improves well-being, as it has for doctors and residents.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: structured group meals with guided conversation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce burnout and improve well-being for medical students.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is behavioral, so effects may vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Burnout, Psychological Social Isolation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BURNOUT PROFESSIONAL FULFILLMENT SOCIAL ISOLATION OR LONELINESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Keck School of Medicine

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States

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