LAUSR

could deal with emotional problems more calmly. Furthermore, 14%– 19% felt more motivated to create interpersonal relationship with their peers and patients and 12%–13% felt more physically active post-challenge. While some engaged in fitness training (e.g., jogging and biking), many reported changes in lifestyle habits (e.g., taking stairs and walking/ biking to work). We identified several elements that contributed to the overall positive effects of this challenge. The random team assignments allowed the formation of new relationships between junior residents, senior resident and attending physicians across different training sites, thereby enabling residents to feel connected with others despite physical isolation. Attendings' participation allowed residents to appreciate the non-medical side of their mentors. The challenge was a welcomed distraction and brought positivity into residents' daily routine strained by the pandemic. Major challenges encountered included lack of activity/interaction with teammates from approximately 20 out of 180 participants and occasional failed synchronisation with fitness devices. Digital and app-based platforms offer creative ways to enhance residents' physical fitness, relatedness and general wellbeing and have the unique advantage of supporting interpersonal connections across physical distances and over time. They should be considered for every residency program both within and beyond the context current pandemic and may be especially of value in larger programs with distributed training sites.