Mentoring

At the Department of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, we wholeheartedly believe that mentorship is a crucial element in the growth and development of our residents and faculty. We understand that guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing are essential for nurturing the future leaders in our field. That is why we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and dynamic mentorship environment designed to foster personal and professional growth for all members of our community. Our goal is to inspire growth, cultivate talent, and foster a supportive learning environment for all.

Our mentorship initiatives are built on a two-pronged approach that encompasses both mentorship-oriented faculty training and multimodal mentorship opportunities for residents and faculty.

Mentorship-Oriented Faculty Training:

We invest in continuous development and training for our faculty to ensure that they possess the skills and knowledge to effectively mentor our residents. Our mentorship initiatives extend beyond the walls of our department. We actively collaborate with Rutgers University at the New Brunswick campus to leverage their leadership and resources in mentorship training. This partnership allows us to stay at the forefront of mentorship best practices and ensure that our mentors are well-equipped to guide our residents toward success. Our faculty members have the opportunity to attend a focused mentorship training program that covers essential aspects such as effective communication, goal-setting, and providing constructive feedback.

Multimodal Mentorship Opportunities:

Recognizing that individuals have different needs and learning styles, we have designed a multimodal mentorship framework that provides various avenues of support and growth for our residents and faculty.

1. Institutional Mentorship Program: We have established a structured mentorship program that pairs each resident with an experienced faculty mentor. These mentors serve as role models, advisors, and advocates, providing insight and guidance throughout the resident's educational journey. Regular check-ins and progress assessments ensure that the mentorship remains effective and relevant.

2. Resident-Led Peer Mentoring Groups: In addition to the institutional mentorship program, we encourage the formation of resident-led peer mentoring groups. These groups offer a supportive environment for residents to learn from one another, share experiences, and discuss challenges and opportunities. Peer mentoring fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, ultimately strengthening the bonds within our community.

3. Informal mentoring: As an additional layer of mentorship, we arrange for informal group meet-ups with faculty from various specialties.  Both residents and students are welcome to attend this opportunity which takes places in a social setting so that trainees feel comfortable asking questions about the specialty they are interested in.  They are encouraged to learn about the day to day life of an attending in the various specialties and the road to choosing a certain fellowship or career opportunities.  These unique mentorship opportunities are scheduled throughout the year, one specialty at a time so trainees can glean from various interests as they narrow their career goals.

At our department, we firmly believe that mentorship is not only a responsibility but a privilege. We are committed to nurturing a culture that celebrates mentorship, where every resident has access to the guidance they need to thrive personally and professionally. As we continue to innovate and refine our mentorship initiatives, we look forward to seeing the positive impact they have on the lives and careers of those within our department.

Thank you for visiting our website, and we invite you to explore the various mentorship opportunities available within our department. Together, let us create a supportive and empowering environment where mentorship thrives and futures are shaped with care and compassion.