• Usman Jaffer, Aaron Pennell, and Patrick Musonda.
• Department of Vascular Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom. usman.jaffer@doctors.org.uk
• J Surg Educ. 2010 Jan 1; 67 (1): 19-24.

ObjectiveMentoring is advocated as an essential adjunct in work-based learning providing support in career and noncareer related issues. This study aims to investigate trainee experiences and satisfaction with mentoring arrangements.DesignE-mail survey of surgical trainees from the East of England Higher Surgical Training Deanery, UK.Main Outcome MeasuresFactors affecting presence of a mentoring relationship and satisfaction with mentoring arrangements were analyzed.ResultsOf all respondents, 62.85% stated that they were not sure or did not have a mentor; 34.29% said that they had had a meaningful meeting with their mentor; 57.14% said that they were aware of the responsibilities of a mentor; 34.29% strongly agreed or agreed that mentoring had been useful; 25.71% said that mentoring had been useful in career development; and 20% found it useful in noncareer related issues. Of those with a mentor, only 31.43% were satisfied with mentoring. Factors affecting satisfaction with mentoring included having had a meaningful meeting, having clear objectives set, and help in job transition and noncareer related issues. Knowledge of a mentor's responsibilities was also associated with satisfaction. The only factor associated with the presence of a mentoring relationship was having a mentor appointed.ConclusionsWe advocate the establishment of a mentoring matching scheme for mentors and mentees together with mentor training to improve mentoring provision for surgical trainees.Copyright 2010 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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