Exploring the Impact of a Women's Mentorship Program in Surgery: Perspectives and Experiences of Mentees and Mentors

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formal women's mentorship program in surgery at a single institution, evaluating its perceived benefits, challenges, and impacts from the perspectives of both mentees (medical students) and mentors (resident and attending surgeons). Design: This study utilized a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences and perspectives of participants in a women's mentorship program in surgery. Medical students, residents, and attending surgeons who had participated in the mentorship program were invited to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted virtually and audio-recorded for subsequent transcription and analysis. Setting: The study was conducted at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Penn State Health is a tertiary-care facility. Participants: 14 mentees (medical students) and 7 mentors (resident and attending surgeons) who had participated in the mentorship program were interviewed. Results: Mentees valued the mentorship program for its networking opportunities, career guidance, and structured goal setting. They appreciated having women mentors who provided unique insights and support in navigating challenges specific to women in surgery. The program's flexibility and session frequency allowed mentees to explore multiple specialties early in their education. Mentors appreciated the program's flexibility and the chance to mentor motivated students early in their careers. They highlighted the importance of gender-specific mentorship and the opportunity to facilitate practical experiences like shadowing and research. Challenges included occasional communication gaps, suggesting the need for more check-ins from program leaders and a structured event to facilitate initial connections and enhance continuity in mentor-mentee relationships. Conclusions: This study supported the effectiveness of a formal women's mentorship program in surgery, as perceived by both mentees and mentors. Recommendations included maintaining flexibility, organizing an annual structured event, and promoting continuity in mentorship relationships.