Camille Moeckel BA , Madison Oxford BA , Amanda Cooper MD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formal women's mentorship program in surgery at a single institution, evaluating its perceived benefits, challenges, and impacts from the perspectives of both mentees (medical students) and mentors (resident and attending surgeons).
Design
This study utilized a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences and perspectives of participants in a women's mentorship program in surgery. Medical students, residents, and attending surgeons who had participated in the mentorship program were invited to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted virtually and audio-recorded for subsequent transcription and analysis.
Setting
The study was conducted at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Penn State Health is a tertiary-care facility.
Participants
14 mentees (medical students) and 7 mentors (resident and attending surgeons) who had participated in the mentorship program were interviewed.
Results
Mentees valued the mentorship program for its networking opportunities, career guidance, and structured goal setting. They appreciated having women mentors who provided unique insights and support in navigating challenges specific to women in surgery. The program's flexibility and session frequency allowed mentees to explore multiple specialties early in their education. Mentors appreciated the program's flexibility and the chance to mentor motivated students early in their careers. They highlighted the importance of gender-specific mentorship and the opportunity to facilitate practical experiences like shadowing and research. Challenges included occasional communication gaps, suggesting the need for more check-ins from program leaders and a structured event to facilitate initial connections and enhance continuity in mentor-mentee relationships.
Conclusions
This study supported the effectiveness of a formal women's mentorship program in surgery, as perceived by both mentees and mentors. Recommendations included maintaining flexibility, organizing an annual structured event, and promoting continuity in mentorship relationships.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Surgical Education (JSE) is dedicated to advancing the field of surgical education through original research. The journal publishes research articles in all surgical disciplines on topics relative to the education of surgical students, residents, and fellows, as well as practicing surgeons. Our readers look to JSE for timely, innovative research findings from the international surgical education community. As the official journal of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS), JSE publishes the proceedings of the annual APDS meeting held during Surgery Education Week.
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