Mentorship in surgical training: Where do we stand?
Saleema Begum1, Muhammad Rizwan Khan2, Madeeha Safa2
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|February 14, 2021
Summary
Formal mentorship in surgical residencies enhances professional growth and combats burnout. However, Pakistan lacks structured mentorship programs, with limited data on associated challenges.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Mentorship Programs
Background:
- Mentorship is crucial for resident development in surgical subspecialties, aiding skill transfer, academic success, and personal growth.
- Effective mentorship positively impacts resident motivation and reduces burnout.
- Global accreditation bodies advocate for formal mentorship in residency programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of mentorship in surgical residency.
- To identify the lack of formal mentorship in Pakistan's postgraduate medical education.
- To underscore the scarcity of data on obstacles to mentorship in Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of the current state of mentorship in surgical residencies.
- It synthesizes existing literature on the benefits and implementation of mentorship.
- It identifies gaps in formal mentorship structures within Pakistan.
Main Results:
- Mentorship significantly contributes to residents' academic and professional advancement.
- Surgical training uniquely benefits from mentorship due to its technical skill component.
- Pakistan faces a deficit in formal postgraduate mentorship, with minimal research on barriers.
Conclusions:
- Formal mentorship is vital for surgical resident success and well-being.
- Implementing structured mentorship programs in Pakistan is essential.
- Further research is needed to explore and address obstacles to mentorship in Pakistan.
