Introduction of Balint Groups as a Reflective Practice Method.

Cynicism and burnout are well-described among new medical school graduates. At the new medical school in Washington state, the trend toward placing importance on wellness and creating a culture of healing was present from the outset. To encourage reflective practice, Balint groups were introduced as a method to teach students to think deeply about patient relationships and to address particular curricular objectives, including to demonstrate empathy for healthcare trainees and for patients, and to practice active listening skills in the context of the student Balint groups.