Social media in the mentorship and networking of physicians: Important role for women in surgical specialties

Abstract

Background: Social media may be a useful supplement to physician and trainee interactions; however, its role in enhancing mentorship has not been described.

Methods: A 35-item survey investigating trainee and physician social media use was distributed. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: 282 respondents completed the survey, among whom 136 (48.2%) reported careers in surgical specialties. Women in surgical specialties were more likely to describe the specialty as being dominated by the opposite sex (p < 0.001) and to be mentored by the opposite sex though wish to be mentored by individuals of the same sex (p < 0.001). Respondents in surgical specialties were also more likely to report using social media to build a network of same-sex mentorship (p = 0.031).

Conclusions: Social media serves as a valuable tool to enhance the networking and mentorship of surgeons, particularly for women in surgical specialties who may lack exposure to same-sex mentors at their own institution.

Keywords: Medical education; Mentorship; Social media.