EP-295 Mentoring Scheme for Medical Students Interested in a Career in Surgery

Abstract

AimA career in surgery requires dedication and commitment from medical school onwards. Having a mentor is proven to help facilitate career progression and improve self-confidence as well as providing supportive, non-biased, non-judgemental career advice. Mentors report increased job satisfaction and self-esteem when mentoring junior colleagues.MethodThe senior author, along with the local medical school's surgical society, launched a pilot scheme for medical students and volunteering consultant surgeons in April 2021. 46 students were recruited, and 28 consultant surgeon mentors. Mentees were then paired with mentors, with some mentors taking on multiple mentees.ResultsFeedback forms were sent out 6 months later to establish perceptions on progress and any suggestions for improvement. We had a low return rate of the feedback forms with 19 returns from mentees, 13 of which had met their mentors. 8 forms were returned by mentors, 5 of whom had met their mentees. 82.35% of mentees who returned the form said the pilot scheme had either ‘met or exceeded their expectations’.ConclusionThis pilot scheme was launched just as Covid-19 pandemic recovery work started, with surgical specialities trying to clear the back log, which may be the reason of the meetings not taking place or the feedback forms not being completed. In the future, we hope to recruit surgical trainees to help with the mentorship programme and by time constraining the programme, trying to ensure that all mentees get the benefit of limited number of mentors.