The State of Mentorship and Pancreatic Research Among Trainees in Pancreatology

Abstract

Objectives The recent decrease seen in pancreatic research and young investigator involvement may reflect inadequate mentorship. This study aimed to describe the current state of mentorship in pancreatic research and evaluate how mentorship is associated with research productivity. Methods In this prospective study, a survey addressing mentorship and research was distributed to trainees worldwide. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression was used to describe the association between mentorship and trainee research productivity. Results A total of 137 trainees from 16 countries participated. Although two-thirds of trainees expressed interest in pancreatic research and had identified a mentor in the field, only 34.8% had published a manuscript. Barriers to pancreatic research included lack of research opportunities (58.3%), limited mentorship (23.3%), and inadequate institutional support (15%). Although having a single mentor was not associated with research productivity (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–2.76), having a local mentor was significantly associated with publishing (odds ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.95–10.74). Conclusions Although many trainees interested in pancreatology have access to a mentor, barriers including lack of research opportunities, mentorship, and institutional support hinder trainee productivity. Opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and networking are needed.

Pancreas Academy

“…Concurrently, pancreatic cancer represents the second most common gastrointestinal malignancy, with an estimated 57,600 new cases and 47,050 deaths in 2020 2 . Despite the high prevalence of pancreatic disorders, the level of interest in pancreatology among young investigators and trainees remains low 3,4 . In addition, pancreas-related education courses are typically offered during major societal conferences such as the annual Digestive Disease Week and American College of Gastroenterology meetings, where the primary audience consists of gastroenterologists.…”