Mentorship in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature and Elucidation of Recurring Themes

Pdf Summary

This systematic review examines what makes mentorship effective in plastic surgery, emphasizing its importance for trainee development and surgeon wellness, including protection against burnout. Mentorship is defined as a dynamic, two-way relationship in which a mentor invests time, energy, and knowledge to help a mentee grow across career stages. Despite plastic surgery’s high career satisfaction overall, mentorship remains a perceived weakness in training, and leadership in the field lacks diversity—potentially limiting access to mentors for women and underrepresented groups.

Using PRISMA methodology, the authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through June 15, 2024, identifying 284 records and ultimately including 8 sources (5 primary studies—4 quantitative and 1 qualitative—and 3 commentary pieces) that explicitly discussed effective mentor qualities. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

Across studies, two recurring themes characterized effective mentorship: <strong>(1) time investment and accessibility</strong> and <strong>(2) shared identities/identity concordance</strong>. Mentees most valued mentors who show genuine interest in both career and personal development and who consistently set aside time for scheduled goal-oriented meetings, one-on-one operative teaching, and informal check-ins. Commentary and qualitative accounts reinforced the impact of compassionate, approachable, “open-door” mentors who empower trainees and foster leadership and sponsorship, including national promotion and opportunities.

Identity concordance also emerged as influential. Female surgeons reported placing greater importance on mentor gender and race/ethnicity concordance than male surgeons. Publication data suggested underrepresented authors are substantially more likely to publish when paired with race-concordant senior authors, highlighting mentorship’s role in academic inclusion. One study also found younger faculty and those with FACS designation were more likely to be accessible to students seeking mentorship.

The authors conclude that the most effective plastic surgery mentors are accessible, invest meaningful time, guide professional and personal growth, and may strengthen relationships through shared values or experiences. They note a scarcity of rigorous primary research on mentor qualities and call for more studies to better design and optimize mentorship programs.

Keywords

plastic surgery mentorship

systematic review

effective mentor qualities

trainee development

surgeon wellness

burnout prevention

time investment and accessibility

identity concordance

gender and racial diversity

academic inclusion and sponsorship