Welcome to the PEERS Webinar Series! While dedicated research time is a key part of surgical training, access to mentorship and resources in surgical education research remains inconsistent. Organizations like ASE, APDS, and ACS have made great strides with programs that provide essential knowledge and community. Yet barriers such as cost, institutional support, and timing can still leave trainees without the guidance they need.
The Collaboration of Surgical Education Fellows (CoSEF) (cosef.org) was founded in 2020 to bridge these gaps. With over 85 members—residents and fellows passionate about advancing surgical education—CoSEF thrives on peer collaboration, support, and shared success.
Thanks to ASE funding, we’re excited to introduce PEERS (Peer Engagement for Education Research Success): An Online Resource for Trainees. This series will provide practical, peer-led guidance on “boots on the ground” topics, including:
- Building and maintaining effective peer and faculty mentorships
- Navigating simple and complex IRB processes
- Choosing the right venues for presenting and publishing and your research
- Mastering authorship and submission strategies
Description of Webinar #1 – Mentorship
Are you a new investigator looking to build strong mentorship and collaborative networks in research? Join us for a PRACTICAL and ENGAGING webinar featuring leaders and peers in surgical education and research as they discuss how to identify, maintain, and maximize mentorship relationships. Learn about the difference between sponsorship and mentorship, the types of mentorship styles, and how to navigate challenging mentor-mentee dynamics. Panelists will also share insights into peer mentorship networks like the Collaboration of Surgical Education Fellows (CoSEF), the Resident and Associate Society of the American College of Surgeons (RAS-ACS), and professional development programs with practical advice on creating effective collaborative networks. Gain actionable tools through handouts, including email templates for reaching out to mentors, key questions to ask during mentorship discussions, and a resource guide to peer networks and opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from top faculty and peers, including Dr. Mohsen Shabahang (President of the Association for Surgical Education), Dr. Amy Holmstrom, and Dr. Colin Martin, alongside trainees representing CoSEF. Moderated by Dr. Joshua Roshal, this webinar is designed to empower new investigators to take charge of their mentorship journey.
Learning Objectives: Mentorship Webinar
- Identify key peer-mentorship networks available for surgical trainees, including CoSEF, RAS-ACS, SERF/SELF, advanced degree programs.
- Differentiate between sponsorship and mentorship and describe their respective roles in career development.
- Describe various faculty mentorship styles and determine which style best aligns with their learning needs and career goals.
- Recognize the characteristics of an effective mentor and outline strategies for identifying and selecting an appropriate mentor.
- Implement best practices for maintaining a productive mentor-mentee relationship, including establishing meeting frequency, setting expectations, and ensuring effective communication.
- Evaluate the signs of an ineffective mentorship relationship and develop a plan for deciding when and how to exit that relationship professionally.
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