Formalizing a Residency Mentorship Program with a “Business of Medicine” Curriculum

Abstract

Background: Mentorship is critical for achieving success in academic medicine and is also considered one of the core professional competencies for residency training. Despite its importance, there has been a decline in the mentor-mentee relationship, largely due to time constraints and lack of clear guidelines for productive discussions. We provide a mentorship curriculum with an easily adoptable workbook which may serve as a guide for programs seeking more formalized mentorship opportunities. Methods: We created a mentorship curriculum that was divided into 4 quarterly sessions, each with topics to facilitate career guidance and development, and to provide insight into the practical aspects of business of medicine. The mentorship pilot curriculum was implemented during the 2017 to 2018 academic year. Specific questions were provided to stimulate reflection and appropriate discussion between resident mentee and faculty mentor. A post-curriculum survey was distributed to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of the curriculum. Results: A total of 23 residents participated in this pilot project. A majority had not had any formal teaching related to the business aspects of medicine (82%). Upon completion of the curriculum, most residents felt several topics were sufficiently covered, and a majority were satisfied with the course and relationship developed with their mentor (87%). Conclusions: Our pilot curriculum provides a model to address a knowledge gap in the practical aspects of medicine while simultaneously enhancing residency mentorship. The one-year course was generally well-received by residents and can serve as a model to other academic residency programs with similar challenges and goals.

Trainee Perspectives of Private Equity's Impact on Ophthalmology

“…20 A variety of practice management and business of medicine small group courses have been implemented in nonophthalmology residency programs. 21,22 For a mentorship and small group-based program for neurology residents, overall satisfaction was high (78%), though resident perceived preparedness for "transitioning to private practice" was relatively low (65%). 21 In another small group lecture-based program for practice management education for surgical residents, attendance and approval were generally high, including lectures specifically for types of practices and evaluation of employment agreements, both of which would be highly relevant for PE.…”

“… 21 22 For a mentorship and small group-based program for neurology residents, overall satisfaction was high (78%), though resident perceived preparedness for “transitioning to private practice” was relatively low (65%). 21 In another small group lecture-based program for practice management education for surgical residents, attendance and approval were generally high, including lectures specifically for types of practices and evaluation of employment agreements, both of which would be highly relevant for PE. 22 Additionally, a systemic review of business curricula in residency showed improvements in participant knowledge, with greater potential for assimilation of this information into their careers.…”