DoM Commensality Groups

The  Department of Medicine is conducting a commensality groups pilot program. Commensality groups are an evidence-based innovation designed to enhance a sense of connection and collegiality amongst faculty. The small group discussions with faculty members provide a space to share ideas and provide peer mentoring. Randomized trials with clinicians have shown that these groups improve professional fulfillment and decrease burnout. We will evaluate results in both clinical and research faculty.

 Applications are now open and close on Friday, September 6th, 2024.

You cannot save your application once you have started it, so please prepare your answers in advance. A Word version of the application is available here.

How Does it Work?

Small groups of 6-8 faculty members will meet monthly for one hour to have facilitated discussions and a shared meal. Commensality groups are meant to be consistent over a 6-month period. During each meeting each member will touch on a particular discussion prompt provided by the facilitator or agreed upon alternative agenda. The remainder of the time will be used to build comradery and trust.

Timing

Groups will be formed in fall 2024 with interest surveys going out summer 2024.

Commitment

Faculty commit to actively engaging in the meetings, attending a minimum of 5/6 meetings, maintaining confidentiality, and filling out a <10 minute pre- and post- evaluation.

BU intends that its facilities, programming, and academic offerings will be accessible, inclusive, and diverse. Your experience in this event is important to us. If you require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or require an accommodation for another reason, please contact bumcfdd@bu.edu to discuss your needs. Please see Event Accessibility for details on accommodations.

For more information about this or the program, please contact us at bumcfdd@bu.edu