Unpacking Mentorship: A Review of Its Role in Contemporary Postgraduate Surgical Education

Mentorship is a cornerstone of postgraduate surgical education, supporting the development of clinical competence, research capability, professional identity, and psychological well-being. Despite its recognised importance, access to effective mentorship during surgical training remains inconsistent. This review aimed to evaluate the role, impact, and challenges of mentorship within postgraduate surgical education. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Comprehensive searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, and Emcare identified studies published between 2015 and 2025 that examined mentorship in surgical residency programs. Eligible studies explored mentorship models, outcomes, and implementation strategies. Data were extracted on study design, participant characteristics, mentorship approaches, and key outcomes. Due to methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively. In total, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a range of surgical specialties and mentorship formats. Mentorship demonstrated consistent benefits across multiple domains. Structured programs enhanced academic productivity, with mentored residents producing more publications, engaging in research, and achieving greater scholarly output. Mentorship also improved technical skills, procedural confidence, and reflective practice. Professionally, mentored trainees reported stronger leadership development, clearer career trajectories, and higher examination success. Psychosocially, mentorship was associated with reduced burnout, improved confidence, and greater work-life balance. Peer and near-peer mentoring models further strengthened collegiality and accessibility. However, barriers such as limited time, inadequate mentor training, and inconsistent institutional support were frequently reported. Mentorship is integral to postgraduate surgical training, offering substantial academic, clinical, and professional benefits. Structured, well-resourced programs with protected time, trained mentors, and formal institutional recognition yield the most sustainable outcomes. Future initiatives should focus on standardised evaluation frameworks, long-term impact assessment, and innovative mentorship delivery models. Embedding mentorship as a core component of surgical education is essential for cultivating competent, resilient, and future-ready surgical professionals.