Abstract
The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery organization launched a mentorship program to address the limited opportunities available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the utility of the virtual program in bridging this critical gap.
A retrospective review of program surveys containing quantitative and qualitative questions from 2022 to 2023 was performed.
Of n = 193 applicants, 81.3 % (157/193) identified as women, and 69.4 % (134/193) reported no prior mentorship. Applicants were from 41 countries (35 LMICs). The most requested specialties were general surgery (27.9 %, 54/193), neurosurgery (18.1 %, 35/193), and cardiothoracic surgery (11.4 %, 22/193). 55.9 % (108/193) preferred mentors from other countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada), while 13.9 % (27/193) preferred mentors from their country. Ultimately, 48 applicants were matched with 13 mentors.
Demand for the program surpassed capacity, highlighting a need for mentorship opportunities for women overall, particularly in LMICs.
•Global demand for surgical mentorship is evident across 41 countries.•Mentees seek guidance on surgery residency applications and research opportunities.•Mentorship is vital for gender equity and addressing disparities in global surgery.•Formal programs offer structured and accessible mentorship in global surgery to a diverse cohort.