The Women in Emergency Medicine Mentoring Program: An Innovative Approach to Mentoring

Abstract

Background Women in medicine report many gender-specific barriers to their career success and satisfaction, including a lack of mentors and role models. The literature calls for innovative strategies to enhance mentorship for women in medicine. Objective To describe the content, perceived value, and ongoing achievements of a mentoring program for women in emergency medicine. Methods The program offered mentoring for female faculty and residents in an academic emergency medicine department. Volunteers participated in group mentoring sessions using a mosaic of vertical and peer mentoring. Sessions focused on topics specific to women in medicine. An anonymous, electronic survey was sent to women who participated during 2004–2010 to assess the perceived value of the program and to collect qualitative feedback. Preliminary achievements fulfilling the program's goals were tracked. Results A total of 46 women (64%) completed the survey. The results showed a positive perceived value of the program (average, 4.65 on a 5-point Likert scale) in providing mentors and role models (4.41), in offering a supportive environment (4.39), in providing discussions pertinent to both personal (4.22) and professional development (4.22), while expanding networking opportunities (4.07). Notable achievements included work on the creation of a family leave policy, establishing lactation space, collaboration on projects, awards, and academic advancement. Conclusion This innovative model for mentoring women is perceived as a valuable asset to the academic department and residency. It offers the unique combination of expanding a female mentor pool by recruiting alumni and using a mosaic of vertical and peer mentoring.

An Innovative Educational and Mentorship Program for Emergency Medicine Women Residents to Enhance Academic Development and Retention

“…[1][2][3] Cited reasons include lack of perceived positive role models and insufficient support, mentorship and preparation. 3,4 Women have more difficulty identifying potential mentors, despite seeking them more often than men do. 4 Women also report satisfying mentoring relationships less frequently.…”

“…3,4 Women have more difficulty identifying potential mentors, despite seeking them more often than men do. 4 Women also report satisfying mentoring relationships less frequently. 4,5 The literature suggests that women may have specific mentoring needs and benefit from female mentors.…”

“…4 Women also report satisfying mentoring relationships less frequently. 4,5 The literature suggests that women may have specific mentoring needs and benefit from female mentors. 4 Effective mentoring can enhance career satisfaction and professional development and has been linked to career choice, including the decision to pursue an academic career.…”

“…4,5 The literature suggests that women may have specific mentoring needs and benefit from female mentors. 4 Effective mentoring can enhance career satisfaction and professional development and has been linked to career choice, including the decision to pursue an academic career. [5][6][7] Recent studies have demonstrated that women enter residency with comparable intention to pursue academic careers as men, but that their interest declines as training progresses.…”

Providing mentorship support to general surgery residents: a model for structured group facilitation

“…2 Mentorship within medicine has many recognized benefits, including increased career satisfaction, perceived academic success, networking, stress management, academic productivity and work-family balance for mentees. 3 Mentors report increased personal satisfaction, positive relationships with resi dents and faculty members and increased opportunities for career advancement. 3 While informal vertical mentorship relationships are common within surgical training and have high levels of trainee satisfaction, they may not provide the same degree of structured outcomes and accessibility as formal mentorship programs.…”