In this interview with Dr. Srijan Sen, Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Professor of Depression and Neurosciences and Associate Chair for Research and Research Faculty Development at the University of Michigan’s School of Medicine, we discuss his research into the factors that contribute to burnout and depression among medical students and residents. 

Dr. Sen led a ten-year, multi-institutional study of medical interns to determine how genetic factors are involved in moderating the relationship between stress and depression. In this interview, Dr. Sen talks about what inspired him to pioneer research into well-being among medical interns, what his findings suggest for how programs can better prepare residents for the stressors they face during clinical training--and his hopes for how residents learn to cultivate the supports they need to thrive, not just survive, during residency.