[Mentoring during residency in anesthesiology: the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, São Paulo program.]

Medical training programs may bring emotional distress. The main objective of this study was describes a mentoring program during the residence training period of physicians in Anesthesiology.

The program was instituted at the Central Hospital of the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, São Paulo. In this program were included 27 residents in Anesthesiology and 4 health professionals that made up the mentoring team. The study was made through a evaluation of a questionnaire applied on first and second-year residents' opinion about education in Anesthesiology. It was developed, with twelve questions and three answers for each question, which has been applied before and after the program. Residents were divided in four groups: first year residents; second year residents; first and second-year residents (2 groups). Mentoring meetings were monthly held on Thursdays, 7 a.m. and lasted for one hour.

Residents routine was considered adequate. There has been decreased frustration and an improved self-confidence. A high number has reported higher enthusiasm for Anesthesiology and higher expectations as to post-Residency opportunities. Mentors have reported the importance of mandatory meetings, the increase of discussion about humanization and the possibility of mentors' un-preparedness as a limiting factor.

Mentoring programs may be tools for adapting residents to the training program in Anesthesiology.