Mentorship in surgical training: a systematic review
Pouya Entezami1, Lauren E Franzblau, Kevin C Chung
1Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, 2130 Taubman Center, SPC 5340, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5340 USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|March 2, 2013
Summary
This review highlights the importance of mentorship in surgical training, identifying key themes and barriers. Focusing on positive mentor traits and formal programs can overcome challenges like time constraints and a lack of female mentors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Mentorship Programs
Background:
- Mentorship is crucial for surgical training, transferring essential skills beyond textbooks.
- A systematic review on surgical trainee mentorship was lacking.
- The unique demands of surgery necessitate expert guidance from mentors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on mentor-mentee relationships in surgery.
- To analyze the prevalence of major themes in surgical mentorship literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge (1985-2010).
- Screening of 1,091 articles using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Data extraction and analysis of mentoring themes in 38 selected articles.
Main Results:
- The majority of reviewed articles (68%) were commentary/editorials.
- Key themes discussed: desirable mentor qualities, relationship structures, and overcoming barriers.
- Under-discussed themes: mentee traits and generational/cultural differences.
Conclusions:
- Barriers to effective surgical mentorship include time constraints and a shortage of female mentors.
- Developing formal programs and focusing on positive mentor traits can enhance mentorship.
- Reviving mentorship in surgical education is essential due to scarce literature and the "dying art" concern.
