# Mentorship in Modern UK Surgical Training

## TL;DR

This paper argues for reintroducing mentorship in UK surgical training to improve trainee success and well-being.

## Contribution

The paper proposes a new mentorship program managed by regional deaneries to support surgical trainees.

## Key findings

- Mentorship improves career success and well-being in surgical trainees.
- Current training lacks mandatory mentorship, making it hard for trainees to find mentors.
- A structured mentorship program could produce better surgeons.

## Abstract

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Over the years, surgical training has been standardised and centralised with less emphasis on a mentorship style of training. However, having a consistent mentor during surgical training can overcome obstacles faced by trainees. It has been shown to improve career success as well as general well-being in a demanding and competitive specialty. Despite this, a mentor is not a mandatory part of surgical training with trainees struggling to identify a mentor in the present system. We suggest the introduction of a programme managed by regional deaneries which promotes the formation of a mentor and trainee relationship at the beginning of surgical training. We are confident this scheme has the potential of producing a technically able, healthy and well-rounded surgeon.