Surgery residency is regarded as a high-risk time for burnout; this article in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons examines potential psychological characteristics contributing to burnout vulnerability and resilience in surgical trainees. Driven by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, burnout was found in 69% of trainees. Depression, suicidal idealization, and anxiety were notably high across training levels, but improved during lab years. Higher burnout was associated with high stress, depression, and suicidal idealization, while low risk was associated with dis-positional mindfulness. Thus, mindfulness training is advised for surgical residency programs.