By: Shilpa S. Murthy, MD, MPH
Socrates
mentorship of Plato lead to advancements in philosophy and science. William
Halstead’s mentorship style, based on Socrates’ teaching methods, lead to
Harvey Cushing’s success in creating the field of neurosurgery.1For
centuries, mentorship of surgical trainees has been critical to progressing the
field of surgery. Strong mentorship and devoted development of a surgical
trainee can lead to advancement and innovation in the field. As a medical student, one may not anticipate
the crucial role a mentor plays through transitions in their career. A trainee
goes through three transitions where guidance is critical to the development of
a skilled surgeon: the transition from
medical student to surgical resident, surgical resident to surgical researcher,
and resident to surgical attending. All
three transitions come with their own challenges as well as rewards. During these phases, it is important to gain
direction from knowledgeable individuals who already experienced these
transitions. They will guide trainees through un-anticipated challenges.
Similarities in personality and background are important in mentorship
interactions but common goals and values create a successful relationship. I was fortunate to meet three mentors whose life’s
work aligned with my own goals of training the next generation of physicians
and reducing the inequalities in health care.
In
1998 the percentage of female surgeons was 21.8% and in 2008 that number
increased to 32.3%.2In a field where the female voice is sparse and
still growing, strong female mentorship can be fruitful for young women surgeons. In medical school I was fortunate to have a
female mentor who was a dean and pediatrician who shared a passion for medical
education. Few women in science have been able to reach the prominent academic
position she holds. As a professional
woman, she experienced the unique challenges that women face as they continue
to advance professionally in the medical field. With her female voice,
guidance, and insight borne from years in the profession, I have been better
able to navigate my career as a surgeon. The female perspective is important for
women in medicine, but excellent mentorship comes from both genders.
During
my research years as a surgical resident, I am pursuing oncology projects in
Rwanda in global surgery. Making waves to define a new academic field, global
surgery, can be rewarding but extremely challenging. It is complex since there
are numerous cultural and ethical issues. I am privileged to be mentored by a
surgeon who is a pioneer in the nascent field of global surgery. Modeling his
cross cultural interpersonal communication skills and sharing our passion for equity
in surgery, I have been able to successfully develop a breast disease training
course with my Rwandan colleagues. But even with this success, the field is
severely underfunded and due to funding challenges our projects almost fell
through. However, his guidance and experience on how to navigate philanthropic
meetings and administrative hurdles ultimately led to successful outcomes. His
kindness, altruism, and passion towards reducing inequities in surgical care
globally is to be modeled and commended.
During
surgical residency, a trainee also needs a mentor who is invested in developing
their technical and cognitive surgical skills. In my clinical residency program,
I met a hepatobiliary surgeon who has pushed me to strive harder. His
engagement and experience in my development has been un-wavering through
professional and personal hurdles. I always trust his advice because I know it
is coming from someone who truly cares about me.
Although
each mentor has a slightly different background than my own, pieces of their
personality, experiences, and backgrounds resonate with me as an individual. Their
trust and belief in me has led to fruitful relationships and they are like
family. My mentors have been crucial in my transition from medical student to
surgical resident and as a surgical researcher. Their un-wavering support
during hurdles I didn’t anticipate have strengthened our bonds. Recognizing my
passions for surgery, education, and equitable care for impoverished
populations they are guiding me towards concrete goals
that will hopefully make a lasting contribution to society. While the line of
Socrates mentorship continued in Plato and eventually worked its way to William
Halsted and Harvey Cushing, so too will the teachings of my mentors. I hope to
pass on our shared values, goals, and their kindness to those I mentor in the
future.
References
1.)
Assael, Leon. Every Surgeon Needs Mentors: A Halsteadian/Socratic Model in the
Modern Age. J Oral Maxillofac Surg.
68:1217-1218, 2010.
2.)
Association of American Medical Colleges Accessed June 6, 2014
https://www.aamc.org/download/53502/data/wimstatisticsreport2009.pdf
Dr. Shilpa S. Murthy is currently a second year
research fellow at the Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's
Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. She recently completed her MPH at Harvard
School of Public Health and has interests in global surgical oncology, surgical
disparities, and medical education. She is a general surgery resident at
Indiana University.
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