Tailored Mentorship for the Underrepresented and Allies in Radiation Oncology: The Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee Mentorship Experience

• Published in: International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics Vol. 116; no. 2; pp. 368 - 374
• Main Authors: Germino, Elizabeth A., Saripalli, Anjali L., Taparra, Kekoa, Rattani, Abbas, Pointer, Kelli B., Singh, Sarah A., Musunuru, Hima Bindu, Shukla, Utkarsh C., Vidal, Gabriel, Pereira, Ian J., Williams, Vonetta M., Elmore, Shekinah N.C., Franco, Idalid, Chaurasia, Avinash R., Rivera, Amanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Humans; Mentoring; Mentors; Program Evaluation; Radiation Oncology; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0360-3016; 1879-355X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.02.003

There are limited opportunities for mentorship for underrepresented in medicine (URM) trainees and physicians in radiation oncology (RO). The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate a formal mentorship program open to URMs and allies with interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion. A mentorship program incorporating a virtual platform was designed by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee. It was structured to include 6 sessions over 6 months with matched mentor-mentee pairs based on responses to a publicized online interest form. A compilation of evidence-based guidelines was provided to optimize the mentorship relationship. Linked pre- and postprogram surveys were administered to collect demographic data, define baseline goals and level of support, and evaluate program satisfaction. Thirty-five mentor-mentee pairs were matched; 31 mentees completed the preprogram survey and 17 completed the postprogram survey. Preprogram, only 3 mentees (9.7%) reported satisfaction with current mentorship and 5 (16%) reported mechanisms or mentorship in place at their program to support URMs. On the postprogram survey, mentees reported high satisfaction with areas of mentorship, mentor attributes, and the program overall. Opportunities for improvement include implementation of mechanisms to enhance communication with mentor-mentee pairs and maintain longitudinal engagement. In the first tailored mentorship program in RO for URMs and those with diversity, equity, and inclusion interests, our results demonstrate that there is self-reported interest for better mentorship for URMs in RO, and that a nationwide structured mentorship program can address participants’ goals with high satisfaction. Program expansion could provide URMs and allies in RO more opportunities for career development and promote a greater sense of community and inclusion within the field.