Advancing Inclusive Excellence in Pediatric Surgery: A National Longitudinal Mentorship Program

The Alliance of Pediatric Surgeons Growing and Advancing Representation (APGAR) was created to systematically expand mentorship and sponsorship for learners historically underrepresented in pediatric surgery. We implemented a structured, multi-tiered mentorship model that includes participants from high school through attending pediatric surgeons. We report the conceptual framework, development, and implementation of APGAR's pilot programming, participants' perspectives, and short-term impact.

Longitudinal mentorship groups ("pods") were established with representatives across training levels from high school students to pediatric surgery attendings. Pods met independently at least every 3 months, supplemented by APGAR-wide virtual programming on key topics,. To evaluate program impact, a survey was administered before pod formation (Apr/May 2022) and at the one-year follow-up (Apr/May 2023). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participant demographics. Two-sample t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare survey variables.

Within 17 pods, 104 trainees and 26 faculty pediatric surgeons participated, representing 54 institutions. Ninety-five participants completed the pre-survey and 31 completed post-surveys (22 completed both). Survey participants (70 % students) were primarily women (80 %), 39 % White, 26 % Asian, 18 % Black, 10 % multiracial, and 6 % Hispanic. After one year, APGAR significantly impacted respondents' appreciation of the intellectual challenge offered by a career in pediatric surgery (78 % vs. 94 %, p = 0.031). Most reported an interest in pursuing pediatric surgery (56 %) and value the mentorship provided (77 %).

APGAR programming successfully engaged learners in pediatric surgery through structured virtual programming, fostering early interest and exploration. Participants frequently cited the value of mentorship in shaping their perspectives.

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