Formal Mentorship Programs Improves Overall Mentorship Experiences Among Radiation Oncology Residents

Abstract

Strong mentorship has been shown to improve mentee productivity, clinical skills, medical knowledge, and career preparation. A recent survey of radiation oncology residency graduates indicated that “faculty mentorship” was the most valued factor in respondents’ residency experience and that the value of mentorship extends beyond residency. A thorough understanding of mentorship experiences is important to allow for successful mentoring programs. In this study, we conducted a survey to evaluate resident satisfaction of mentorship within radiation oncology residency programs. We hypothesized that a formal mentorship program improves overall satisfaction with the mentorship experience. The Munich Evaluation of Mentoring Questionnaire (MEMeQ) is a validated online questionnaire to evaluate the satisfaction of mentoring relationships. In January 2019, 126 radiation oncology residents training at programs in the Northeastern part of the United States were asked to anonymously complete the MEMeQ. No personal information was collected. Results were compared based on reported participation in a formal mentoring program. Univariate comparisons were performed using Chi-square test. Overall response rate was 40% (n=51). Participants were 25% post graduate year two (PGY-2), 22% PGY-3, 27% PGY-4, and 26% PGY-5. Thirty residents (59%) reported having 1 or 2 mentors, and 6 residents (12%) reported having no mentor. The top three areas of interest for mentoring included research (94%), job opportunities (92%), and networking (84%). Other areas included guidance on public speaking/presentation (35%) and work-life balance (13%). Mentors were described as approachable (personality, manner) by 67% of residents, supportive/encouraging by 64%, providing guidance on course of study or career management by 59%, answering questions satisfactorily (timely, clear, comprehensive) by 58%, motivating by 54%, and accessible by 47%. Overall, 49% of the residents were not satisfied with their mentoring experience. Nineteen residents (37%) reported participation in a formal mentoring program with regular interval meetings. Residents participating in a formal mentoring program reported significantly higher rates of overall satisfaction compared to those who were not (89% vs 9%, p<0.001). Mentors’ accessibility (94% vs 27%, p<0.001) and ability to answering questions satisfactorily (100% vs 68%, p=0.015) also improved with formal mentoring programs. Nearly 50% of participating radiation oncology residents reported overall dissatisfaction with mentorship during residency. Residents participating in a formal mentorship program were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their experience. Our results suggest that radiation oncology residency programs should strongly consider implementing formal mentorship programs.