Surgical Mentorship And Leadership

The landscape of academic surgery has become increasingly complex. Young academic surgeons are now confronted with the task of juggling administrative, clinical, educational, and research responsibilities. While decades ago young faculty would look toward a single “triple threat” mentor, trainees and young junior faculty now must assemble a team of mentors who can help him/her craft a career trajectory for success in academia. In addition, with the emergence of team based science and an emphasis on clinical “crew management” faculty now must hone their leadership skills to be effective in the research and clinical environment.

The landscape of academic surgery has become increasingly complex. Young academic surgeons are now confronted with the task of juggling administrative, clinical, educational, and research responsibilities. While decades ago young faculty would look toward a single “triple threat” mentor, trainees and young junior faculty now must assemble a team of mentors who can help him/her craft a career trajectory for success in academia. In addition, with the emergence of team based science and an emphasis on clinical “crew management” faculty now must hone their leadership skills to be effective in the research and clinical environment.

This book discusses personal traits and rationale for any student considering a career in surgery. The authors review accomplishments as a medical student that are key components of beginning a surgical career, and highlight what makes a student competitive for a surgical program. While much of the focus is on an academic career in surgery, sections are devoted to mentorship, research experience and personal experiences that lead to success and are relevant to anyone pursuing a surgery. The editors also focus on gender and work-life balance issues that are often perceived as barriers to a career in surgery.

There are nearly 24,000 ophthalmologists in the United States, with 500 physicians newly entering the ophthalmology field each year and approximately half of those being women. Although women now represent approximately half of all ophthalmologists, gender disparities remain when it comes to certain subspecialties (e.g., surgical retina), leadership roles (e.g., department chairs), industry involvement (e.g., consultancy and advisory board positions), and even academic publications.

There are nearly 24,000 ophthalmologists in the United States, with 500 physicians newly entering the ophthalmology field each year and approximately half of those being women. Although women now represent approximately half of all ophthalmologists, gender disparities remain when it comes to certain subspecialties (e.g., surgical retina), leadership roles (e.g., department chairs), industry involvement (e.g., consultancy and advisory board positions), and even academic publications.