What makes them different? An exploration of mentoring for female faculty, residents, and medical students pursuing a career in surgery

Abstract

BackgroundThis qualitative study examines the roles of mentoring and gender in choosing and continuing in a surgical career for women across the continuum. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of 24 female surgical faculty, residents, and aspiring medical students from one institution between November 2018 and January 2019. Interview transcripts were analyzed using traditional thematic analysis methods aided by computerized software. ResultsThe use of a mosaic approach in seeking mentoring to match one's personal and career-relevant support needs was described frequently. Same-gender role models were more important for early career women, while leadership mentoring and coaching were more desired by later career women. Gender differences in mentoring were identified but some of these differences may apply equally to women and men. ConclusionsStudy findings contribute mentoring insights relevant to both women and men interested in pursuing and thriving in surgical careers.