Need for Time and Training: Pediatric Program Directors’ Perceptions About Mentorship of Residents

Abstract

We aimed to describe pediatric program directors' perceptions of existing mentorship programs in pediatric residencies, to assess whether characteristics used for mentor-mentee assignments impact mentoring outcomes, and to identify barriers to success in mentorship programs. With the support of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD) Research Task Force, we conducted a cross-sectional survey study of all associate pediatric program directors in the United States in March 2022. Nearly half (82 of 197, 41.6%) of programs responded. Most (87.8%) report having a formal mentoring program. Half of programs (51.4%) do not provide training to residents on how to be a mentee, and only slightly more than half (62.5%) provide training to faculty mentors. Most programs (80.6%) do not provide protected time for faculty mentors. There were no meaningful associations with characteristics used for mentorship matches and perceived successful mentorship. Top barriers from the program leadership perspective included faculty and residents lacking time, residents lacking skills to be proactive mentees, and inadequate funding. While a majority of programs have formal mentorship programs, many do not provide training to mentors or mentees. Barriers to mentorship include a lack of funding and time. National organizations, such as APPD and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, have an opportunity to provide guidance and support for protected time, funding, and training for mentors and mentees.