Mentorship in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature and Elucidation of Recurring Themes

Mentorship is an integral part of developing competent, passionate, and successful plastic surgeons and is an important element of surgeons' wellness. Although mentorship programs have been described in the literature, this study aimed to elucidate the specific qualities of an effective mentor in plastic surgery.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses methodology was utilized to conduct a systematic review of the literature. A search of 3 electronic databases (PubMed including MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library) was performed for relevant studies up to June 15, 2024, using an advanced search for article titles and abstracts pertaining to plastic surgery and mentorship. Eligibility criteria included primary sources that explicitly commented on the qualities of an effective mentor in plastic surgery. A risk of bias assessment was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.

A total of 284 records were identified. After screening, the final sample contained 8 records. Conserved themes across studies included "time investment and accessibility" and "shared identities." Effective mentors foster leadership, guide and teach mentees, and maintain accessibility. Underrepresented groups are more likely to publish with race-concordant mentors, and female mentees prioritize mentor-mentee concordance more than male mentees.

Effective mentors are accessible to their mentees and invest time in developing their personal and professional goals. Identity concordances, such as shared values or shared life experiences, may be important in sustaining strong mentor-mentee relationships. The mentorship literature in plastic surgery would benefit from additional primary studies to better optimize mentorship programs.