Purpose
Despite the increasing percentage of women within the American Society for Surgery
of the Hand, women remain underrepresented within leadership in academic hand surgery.
Although this disparity in leadership representation may be improving, we aimed to
investigate the role mentorship plays in advancing women in academic hand surgery.
Methods
This is a survey-based, mixed-methods study. A written survey assessing themes in
personal and professional experiences with mentorship was sent to hand fellowship-trained
women. Inclusion criteria were the completion of a hand fellowship and current affiliation
with an academic institution. An evolved grounded theory framework was used to evaluate
the responses. Themes were identified based on common responses.
Results
Of 186 eligible participants, 144 (85.2%) received the survey. The response rate was
48.6%. Respondents indicated that residency was the stage at which mentorship was
most impactful (n = 25, 37%), and half of the respondents identified their desire to work in academic
hand surgery during residency (n = 35, 50%). Obstacles to finding a mentor included lack of availability (n = 46, 67.7%), hesitance in searching for a mentor (n = 16, 23.5%), and searching for a mentor within an environment that was not conducive
to success for trainees (n = 7, 10.3%). Most (84%) cited instances were the ones having the advice of a woman
mentor was more impactful than that of a mentor who is a man. The reported need for
same-sex mentorship fell into three categories: (1) insight into shared experiences,
(2) assistance with conflict/bias management, and (3) support during career navigation.
Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate the need for high-quality mentorship during
the residency with a specific emphasis on same-sex mentorship.
Clinical relevance
Our findings provide clear objectives related to improving access to and quality of
mentorship. This foundational understanding will enrich mentor-mentee relationships,
allowing for greater personal and professional success and satisfaction for both parties.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 23, 2023
Accepted:
December 20,
2022
Received:
June 28,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
