Residents’ Perceptions of Usage of the Current Alumni and Attending Network for a Formal Mentorship Program in an Academic Affiliated Community Hospital Radiology Residency

Abstract

Mentor-mentee relationships within radiology residencies can add significant value to a resident's overall experience. Studies demonstrate that mentorship programs can increase satisfaction for residents and faculty alike by reducing stress, easing career related decisions, increasing involvement with research, improving teaching and communication skills, and finally increasing leadership roles. In a survey of radiology program directors, 85% of program directors find such a program beneficial but only 57% have a formal program in place. Totally, 42% of program directors believe a structured mentorship program is necessary. Studies have also shown that female residents prefer female mentors. Alumni serve as an ideal group for resident mentorship as they do not face the pressures of internal faculty. No study to date in diagnostic radiology literature uses an alumni network in establishing a formal mentorship program. The objective of this study is to implement a formal mentorship program within an academic affiliated radiology residency by using program alumni and internal attending physicians for potentially increasing faculty engagement, improving resident morale, research opportunities, and networking for fellowship and job opportunities.