Younger Surgeon Mentoring Program

Mentoring has been present within surgical training for many years, albeit in different forms. There is evidence to show that mentoring within the field of medicine can improve patient outcomes while facilitating learning and personal growth in the mentee. It also allows the mentees to develop their ethical decision making, which will continue to mature when practiced daily.

The AOA Younger Surgeon Mentoring Program was initially developed following extensive feedback from state branch chairs, AORA, the OWL Committee, the wider membership and the Board. At the time of its development, the feedback received highlighted the need for an AOA-specific program that was optional and informal.

As mentoring evolves in different settings and states, it is being reassessed and refined. Formal mentoring programs have been introduced in Western Australia and Newcastle requiring intro trainees to have a mentor and meet at least three times a year over the course of 12 months. The needs of other mentoring areas, such as research and for regional and rural surgeons are being met in several different ways.

AOA also commends to you the Surgical Mentor website, developed by Sina Babadazeh and his Victorian colleagues. All younger surgeons and trainees are particularly encouraged to watch some of the wonderfully inspiring interviews on the site.
Mentoring is a process whereby an experienced, highly regarded, empathic person (mentor), guides another usually younger individual (mentee) in the development and re-examination of their own ideas, learning and personal or professional development. Mutual trust, respect and communication are important elements for a successful mentoring relationship.

Through mentoring mentees gain meaningful professional and personal development, working through issues in a non-threatening environment. Mentors are provided with an opportunity to share their experiences, give back to the profession, and develop self-awareness. 

Mentoring may occur for a specific purpose. For example this may be to assist the mentor in developing their surgical or research skills, to be supported to grow as a leader, to consider their career progression, or to work through an ethical dilemma. Mentoring relationships may be short term, or life-long.
If you’re interested in participating in the AOA Younger Surgeon Mentoring Program and would like to find a mentor, please contact Membership and Engagement Manager Susie Obeid via susie.obeid@aoa.org.au who will guide you through the process.

You may be asked to provide a brief description of what you’re hoping to gain from mentoring, the type of mentor you’re looking for, and any preferences regarding location (e.g. someone based in the same state), gender or subspecialty.

Your request will be shared with members of the Mentoring Advisory Subcommittee, who will recommend suitable mentors based on your needs and preferences. Potential mentors will be contacted to confirm their interest and availability before an introduction is made.

This approach helps ensure the mentoring relationship is a good fit for both the mentor and mentee.
  • Marinis Pirpiris, Chair and Victoria Representative
  • Mark Moroney, Queensland Representative 
  • David Martin, South Australia Representative 
  • Tanya Burgess, Newcastle Training Region Representative 
  • Alison Taylor, Orthopaedic Women's Link Representative 
  • Jean-Louis Papineau, Western Australia Representative  
  • Catherine Guest, AORA Representative 

Mentoring resources

AOA has developed and compiled resources for mentors and mentees. Both are encouraged to review the resources to develop an understanding of what is expected of both parties prior to commencing a mentoring relationship.
  • Surgical Mentor - A website resource connecting mentees with multiple mentors in an easy and effective manner developed by Sina Babadazeh and his Victorian colleagues. All younger surgeons and trainees are particularly encouraged to watch some of the wonderfully inspiring interviews on the site. 
  • Building the relationship – A guide on where the mentee and mentor establish trust and rapport and where they discuss expectations in the relationship 

  • Developing the Mentee – A guide on how the mentor can challenge and facilitate further thinking in the mentee

  • Transitioning the relationship – The final stage of the mentor process and where they transition from mentor and mentee to a new professional relationship

  • Mentoring: A Practical Guide – A summary of the above phases
    • AMA Victoria Mentoring Program – This program aims to facilitate a safe and supportive environment for Doctors in Training to discuss career opportunities with more experienced doctors who can mentor them.