Beyond Mentorship: Walking the Talk Through Sponsorship to Support Women in Academic Surgery

Abstract

Sponsorship is gaining recognition in academic surgery as an essential advancement beyond mentorship, particularly for women. While mentorship focuses on building the relationship between mentor and mentee to provide guidance, advice, and coaching, sponsorship entails more active involvement and buy-in from the senior towards the performance and growth of the junior. The ABCDs of sponsorship – Amplifying, Boosting, Connecting, and Defending – are powerful, concrete actions that can make a significant impact in the career and life of a future physician. However, throughout most of modern medicine, women have had to be pioneers without more senior women to follow as an example. Hence, building a culture of shared responsibility across all genders to mentor and sponsor women is essential to ensuring equitable access to opportunities.