Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve
Published on: August 15, 2025
Development and Implementation of a Tiered Mentorship Program in a General Surgery Residency
Ansley Beth Ricker1, Sullivan A Ayuso2, Stephanie M Jensen1
1Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to describe the development, implementation, and longitudinal evaluation of a structured, tiered mentorship program within a general surgery residency.
Design:
This was a single-institution descriptive study using anonymous annual resident surveys conducted from 2024 through 2026.
Setting:
The study was conducted within the General Surgery Residency Program at a tertiary academic training center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Participants:
General surgery residents participating in a formal mentorship program were surveyed annually. Approximately 32 residents were included each year, with an overall response rate of approximately 70%.
Results:
Faculty mentorship engagement remained consistently high across all survey years (80%, 92%, and 83%). Most residents reported defined career interests (100%, 86%, and 94%) and access to career mentors (80%, 65%, and 83%). Satisfaction with the mentorship program remained high and stable, with mean satisfaction scores ranging from approximately 3.9 to 4.0. Mentorship was consistently regarded as highly important to surgical training, and most residents reported that the program positively impacted both residency training and career planning.
Conclusions:
A structured, tiered mentorship program in general surgery residency is feasible, sustainable, and highly valued by trainees. Integration of peer, faculty, career, and alumni mentorship may provide longitudinal support throughout residency training and professional development.