Finding Urogynecology Mentorship in Residency: OR, Research, Match and Beyond_OnDemand-Finding Urogynecology Mentorship in Residency: OR, Research, Match and Beyond

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Video Summary

The AUGS Mentorship Committee hosted its first resident webinar titled "Finding Urogynecology Mentorship in Residency, OR Research Match and Beyond," featuring early-career faculty and fellows sharing guidance on mentorship and career development in urogynecology. Dr. Christopher Hung highlighted the importance of various mentorship roles, including clinical, research, career, peer, and sponsorship mentors, emphasizing that one person may fulfill multiple roles. He advised residents to prioritize finding strong mentors over perfect projects, research their interests, review potential mentors’ publication records, explore interdisciplinary collaborations, and approach mentors with clear goals and initiative. Dr. Moira Siddiq shared her personal mentorship journey, noting that interest in urogynecology often evolves through experiences and relationships, not necessarily from the start of residency. She outlined stages of residency from pre-contemplation to fellowship prep, recommending strategic surgical rotations, research, and selecting effective letter writers who truly know the applicant. She emphasized clear communication, respect for boundaries, and persistence in mentoring relationships, including managing silence or ghosting. The panelists discussed navigating mentorship without local urogynecology faculty by attending regional or national conferences, such as AUGS or SDS, and seeking external electives. They encouraged formal introductions, proactive follow-through, and networking to build relationships. For unmatched applicants, they advised reapplying with strengthened applications informed by feedback and maintaining mentorship connections. Regarding letters of recommendation, mentors need not exclusively be urogynecologists as long as they can genuinely attest to clinical, surgical, or research skills. Overall, the session underscored mentorship’s lifelong nature, the value of diverse mentors, and the importance of proactive, respectful, and goal-oriented mentee behavior in successfully pursuing a urogynecology career.

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resident webinar

career development

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