How can we build mentorship in surgeons of the future?

Background: In the past, surgical training has been based on traditional apprenticeship model of mentoring. To cope with the rapidly changing environment of modern surgery, the mentoring process may require significant modernization.

Methods: Literature for this review was identified by searching for the MeSH heading ‘mentors’ in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases (1950 to September 2010).

What does leadership in surgery entail?

Background: Leadership is not formally taught at any level in surgical training; there are no mandatory leadership courses or qualifications for trainees or specialists, and leadership performance is rarely evaluated within surgical appraisal or assessment programmes.

Methods: Literature obtained from a MEDLINE search was reviewed to determine the characteristics of surgical leaders; outline an analytical framework through which these characteristics can be developed both in surgeons and surgical departments; and reflect on future challenges and recommendations for the central role of leadership in the field of surgery.

Results: Leadership in surgery entails professionalism, technical competence, motivation, innovation, teamwork, communication skills, decision-making, business acumen, emotional competence, resilience and effective teaching.