Background: Meditation and breathing practices have been recognized to have a positive impact on stress reduction and well-being for various healthcare professionals, including physicians. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the acceptability, feasibility and impact of a brief breathing and meditation workshop on surgeons and surgical residents.  

Methods: Surgeons and surgical residents participated in a meditation and breathwork workshop. Two techniques were taught, Isha Kriya meditation and Nadi Shuddi breathing, over two one-hour sessions. The participants were surveyed for perceived stress and wellbeing before and after the workshop. Participants also engaged in a focus group to examine impact, feasibility and acceptability.

Results: All participants practiced Nadi Shuddi and Isha Kria 4x/week. Surgical Residents had a slightly higher initial median (IQR) perceived stress scores that Attending Surgeons 17.73 (14.0, 18.75) to 20.82 (17.8, 23.3) (p=0.06). Surgical Residents saw a 30% decrease in perceived stress score 20.82 to 14.0 (p<0.01). Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale demonstrated increased wellbeing through the intervention. The cohort demonstranted being 70% more relaxed (1.7 to 2.9; p=.0003) and better able to deal with problemsdeal with problems (2.2 to 2.7; p=.02).   Participants expressed the following benefits: more focus, less irritability, more patience, and more acceptance of difficult issues. Participants offered constructive feedback to help guide adjustments in terms of format and delivery of workshop offering.

Conclusion: This study shows that both surgical residents and attending physicians can improve perceived stress and wellbeing through mediation and breathwork practices. Leadership should consider offering structured meditation and breathwork opportunities through organizational support to practice enhancing surgical residents and attending physicians' wellness.