Surgical mentorship at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital - the residents' view

Abstract

Background: Surgery as a speciality has been renowned for mentorship which has served not only to transmit knowledge and skills down to successive generation of surgeons but has equally imparted professionalism and patient care ethics. A strong mentor to mentee relationship fosters a more conducive learning environment where the trainee can successfully acquire surgical skills necessary to make him a versatile surgeon.

Objective: This study is to ascertain the residents' perception of surgical mentorship in our institution and recommending ways of bridging the gap between the mentor and mentee.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to core surgical registrars within the Department of Surgery; the study period was from August, 2013 to April,2014. Demographic data such as age and sex were noted as well as current surgical unit. Determinant of area of specialisation, level of satisfaction in these areas particularly with respect to Mentor-mentee relationship as well as proposed ways at fostering a stronger mentormentee relationship were indicated. Analysis was performed by simple statistics.

Results: There were thirty-one respondent, sixteen (51.6%) junior registrars and fifteen (48.4%) senior registrars. Fourteen (87.5%) of the registrars were male and two (12.5%) female. Male to female ratio was 7:1. Most were below 35 years of age (15). Eleven (68.8%) enjoyed their current postings while five (31.2%) were dissatisfied. Thirteen (86.7%) of the senior registrars in the study were below 35 years of age. Five (33.3%) were satisfied with their choice of surgical speciality. Majority claimed they were coerced into the speciality they were specialising in. Only one (6.7%) respondent believed he was obtaining mentorship.

Twenty-two surgical registrars (70.9% of the respondents) proposed ways on improving mentor-mentee relationship. Eleven (50.0%) suggested an attitudinal change on the part of the mentor that will make them more approachable whereas nine (40.9%)recommended developing programs aimed at fostering a strong relationship.

Conclusion: Majority of the surgical residents were dissatisfied with their level of mentorship. Effort needs to be made at promoting a stronger mentor to mentee relationship.

Keywords: Surgical mentorship, professionalism, ethics