The value of mentorship to the young vascular surgeon

Abstract

Mentorship is a cornerstone of a successful career in medicine and surgery. From medical school through our career, the opportunity to receive feedback, guidance, and support from mentors helps to shape our decisions, both clinical and professional, and plays a role in our success. As vascular surgeons pivot from trainee to practicing surgeon, the nature and structure of their mentoring relationship will likely change as well. The purpose of this paper is to outline the different types of mentoring, the ways in which it can be impactful in your career, and common barriers encountered among both mentors and mentees. We review the data that supports the value of mentors to young vascular surgeons and offer resources available to individuals from the trainee to mid-career level to make for lasting and productive mentor-mentee relationships.