Mentors, Sponsors, Role Models – these are all types of figures we are constantly told to seek, appreciate, and aspire to be. But, what do these positions really entail? And, how does someone become involved in this type of relationship? As a student, I have long struggled with being told I need to find someone who can “become my mentor and give me the guidance I need.” But, what I have found time and time again is that there is no one person who has experienced it all. In the end, I am still left with unanswered questions and uncertainty ahead. So I have begun thinking: Why does someone only have to have A mentor, ONE role model? And where can I find someone who really understands my position, aspirations, and experiences? Does this advisor have to be someone located at my institution, like it always seems to happen? Here I will be discussing the definition of these three roles – mentor, sponsor, role model – the part they play in the development of healthcare advancements, and where you may be able to find them.

Mentor – an experienced person who provides guidance, support, and encouragement to a less experienced person.

Sponsor – someone in a position that is able to get you noticed, create opportunities, and guide your progress through the maze and politics of career advancement.

Role Model – someone who occupies the social role to which an individual aspires.

Just as the concepts of mentorship and networking have been difficult for me, as a mentee, at times, I know that they can be difficult for the individual providing the assistance as well. How to act in these roles is not something that is often taught, and it often is an obligation that is bestowed upon us without preparation. The ability to act as someone’s mentor vs. sponsor vs. role model takes differing levels of experience, connections, and time commitment. 

Herein begins the new SMA’s PIT Mentorship Program that was officially launched January 2021. This program is a unique opportunity for individuals at all levels of healthcare who are dedicated to spreading their wings and flying both as an individual and as a medical field as a whole. After all, we learn from one another in the context of these sponsor, mentor, role model relationships for the betterment of all of medicine. The SMA PIT Mentorship Program allows students, residents, fellows, and attendings to connect with others throughout the country. Through the program, they can network with like-minded people they may otherwise not have been able to meet. Analyzing the definitions mentioned above, we hope all participants are able to find a mentor or mentee through this program: Someone they can guide or be guided by. What is unique about this program is it allows opportunities for individuals to experience a culture and an outlook on medicine from someone in an entirely different field, practice setting, or location. I hope that this experience allows people to have resources that expand beyond the year and progress into lasting relationships.

While these three words – mentor, sponsor, role model – are all defined differently, they all represent a similar goal. They all represent someone who drives us to become better and to improve upon ourselves. So with this, I look forward to the future relationships that form, the connections that are made, and the advancements of the medical field to come from those involved in the SMA PIT’s Mentorship Program.

For more information on the SMA PIT’s Mentorship Program, visit: www.sma.org/pit/smas-mentoring-program

Rebecca Fabian (Mentorship & Networking)

Rebecca Fabian is a MS4 at Tulane University School of Medicine and is currently applying into General Surgery residency. She is excited to be serving as this year's Mentorship and Networking chair, as she believes being able to connect with all different kinds of people makes this field so rewarding. As an executive council member of Tulane's Alumni Board, she has seen first-hand how rewarding these relationships can be. When not in the hospital or at school working, you will likely find Rebecca outside - running throughout town, in one of the city's many parks, or out exploring new places!