Mentoring in gastroenterology.

The Women in Gastroenterology Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) conducted a survey among physician members of the ACG to examine the influence of mentoring on career satisfaction. The survey found that the overall rates of career satisfaction and mentorship are high, and that a majority of those without mentors wish that they had had one. Having a mentor who was described as either very effective or extremely effective was associated with higher career satisfaction, but was reported by only 59% of respondents. Factors associated with effective mentoring include frequent meetings, career mentoring, and mentors who are at the rank of professor. If these mentoring rates are representative of rates in the United States, approximately 170 gastroenterology fellows lack mentorship but wish they had it, and 325 more have, at best, moderately effective mentors. We should consider instituting national programs to provide trainees with effective mentorship.