Underrepresented in Medicine Mentorship Program: Perceived Benefits and Lessons Learned.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Faculty members who are underrepresented in medicine (URM) may benefit from mentorship that is designed specifically to meet their unique needs and is focused on improving their career pathways in academic medicine. The Underrepresented in Medicine Mentorship Program (URM-MP) is an academic society-based mentorship program that pairs early career URM faculty with mid- to late-career faculty specifically trained to address URM issues.

Methods: During the first 3 years of the program, mentors received web-based training on addressing oppression and marginalization of URM faculty in academic medicine. Mentor and mentee pairs met monthly for 1 year and received support from program leaders through web-based check-in meetings twice per year. Pre- and postassessment data were collected from mentees to help identify their needs and evaluate their experiences. Check-in meetings provided feedback about the program.

Results: Fifty-seven URM faculty participated in years 1, 2, and 3. Results of pre- and postsurveys showed that mentees significantly improved their self-perceived effectiveness to enhance their careers, to find resources to perform their jobs, and to navigate the challenges of advancing in academic medicine. Qualitative analyses revealed themes of appreciation for mentors supporting their unique experiences as URM faculty. Check-in feedback further reinforced the relationship aspects of the mentorship as a significant benefit of this program.

Conclusions: Society-based mentorship that involves specific training for mentors and fosters trusting mentor-mentee relationships can improve URM faculty's confidence regarding their ability to succeed in academic medicine.