Exploring mentorship in surgery: An interview study on how people stick together
Ghada N Enani1, Ryan Brydges1, Helen M MacRae1
1Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Medical Education
|July 24, 2023
Summary
Successful surgical mentorship thrives on mutual investment and shared responsibility. Key factors include finding a good fit, maintaining communication, and navigating challenges for sustained growth in physician development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Mentorship Dynamics
Background:
- Mentorship positively impacts physician success.
- Mentorship programs are common in medical settings but have variable outcomes.
- Understanding mentorship processes is crucial for optimizing physician development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the initiation, maintenance, and growth processes in surgical mentorship relationships.
- To identify factors contributing to the success and sustainability of mentor-mentee dynamics in surgery.
Main Methods:
- Constructivist grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews.
- Exploration of mentorship dynamics between junior and experienced surgeons.
- Analysis of interview transcripts through constant comparison to develop a coding framework.
Main Results:
- Successful mentorship initiation requires a 'good fit'.
- Relationship maintenance depends on reciprocal communication and mutual investment.
- Growth involves cycles of learning, success, and navigating tensions.
Conclusions:
- Mentorship relationships are dynamic, requiring active investment and shared responsibility.
- Co-regulation and mutual investment foster mutual learning and growth in surgical trainees.
- Effective mentorship is essential for physician career progression and success.
