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THE SWIM (SURGEONS AND WOMEN'S INITIATIVE TO MENTOR) PROGRAM
Author(s) -
Nichevich A.,
Ellis C.,
Saunders C. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04936_1.x
Subject(s) - mentorship , medicine , respondent , gender equity , medical education , promotion (chess) , diversity (politics) , family medicine , gender studies , sociology , politics , political science , anthropology , law
Background: There is a notable disparity between female representation in undergraduate medical courses and surgical faculty. The authors investigated the factors that influence female surgeons’ career choices and decisions to pursue academia. Role models and mentors strongly influenced respondent's surgical career choices and progression. Under‐exposure to same‐sex role models and a lack of available mentors in academic surgery were identified as barriers to pursuing academic careers (1). Aim: To pilot SWIM as a formal, surgical mentorship program targeting young female surgical trainees in Western Australia from March through November, 2009, with a view to long‐term continuation. Objectives: The goals of SWIM are to establish a professional network of female surgeons in WA; mentor and guide female surgical trainees; raise the profile of women in academic surgery; encourage female surgical trainees to participate in health and medical research; increase the number of female academic surgeons within the School of Surgery at the University of Western Australia. Methods: Participants briefed and paired; regular, face‐to‐face meetings; relationship driven by the trainee; guest speaker evening; networking breakfast; e‐newsletter; annual research publication award. Expected Outcomes: Participation will result in surgical trainees gaining support and career advice whilst building professional networks; mentors gaining personal satisfaction, identifying protégés for future collaboration and broadening their skill sets; the promotion of gender equity and diversity within the UWA School of Surgery.