Implementing a global mentoring program: A call to action for mentorship in surgery
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Updated: Jun 10, 2025
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Published on: May 20, 2018
Joanna Chen1, Anisa Nazir2, Ayla Gerk3
1University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA; The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Background:
The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery organization launched a mentorship program to address the limited opportunities available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the utility of the virtual program in bridging this critical gap.
Methods:
A retrospective review of program surveys containing quantitative and qualitative questions from 2022 to 2023 was performed.
Results:
Of n = 193 applicants, 81.3 % (157/193) identified as women, and 69.4 % (134/193) reported no prior mentorship. Applicants were from 41 countries (35 LMICs). The most requested specialties were general surgery (27.9 %, 54/193), neurosurgery (18.1 %, 35/193), and cardiothoracic surgery (11.4 %, 22/193). 55.9 % (108/193) preferred mentors from other countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada), while 13.9 % (27/193) preferred mentors from their country. Ultimately, 48 applicants were matched with 13 mentors.
Conclusions:
Demand for the program surpassed capacity, highlighting a need for mentorship opportunities for women overall, particularly in LMICs.
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