Editor’s Note: An explanation of the important distinction between mentoring and sponsorship.
I was the first female fellow in a prominent institution’s well-respected program and was one of two fellows. Just prior to the year beginning, another male fellow was added. I assumed that this would alter my assigned activities in my atypical, at the time, sub-specialty. I inquired about this with my fellowship director, and he said that I had been assigned certain responsibilities and asked why I thought anything would change. ` This led to my realization that I was in a place where I would be treated in a respectful way, that I was valued for what I brought to the program, and for what I was capable of.
This fellowship director served as my mentor who offered discussion and advice but beyond that, became my “sponsor.” As an example of his sponsorship, he suggested that I apply for certain subspecialty committee positions since I would be “a perfect fit.” He made suggestions to the chairmen of the committees and then encouraged me to follow-up to solidify the connection. With these acts, he changed my career trajectory. He opened many doors for me, for which I am eternally grateful.
Not only did he sponsor me, but he also taught me how to act as a sponsor for others. He was clear that a good sponsor was not a bully but someone who used facts to promote the attributes of a protégé. He valued “drive”, having an internal compass to use for decision-making as well as having the right temperament to navigate challenging waters.
In my first year as an attending, I helped choose the fellows for the program. The top three applicants turned out to be two women and one man. Another member of the selection committee objected to the ratio as “it was not representative of orthopedics as a whole.” I remarked that “it will never change if we, in the selection process, don’t make adjustments.” I lost that battle, and we ended up with two male and one female fellow. This changed in the years to follow where the gender of the fellowship applicants became less and less important, reflecting positive progress and cultural change.
What have these experiences taught me?
• Mentorship and sponsorship are both valuable. Be open to finding both.
• Mentors and sponsors can be found both inside and outside of your institution and may have a different gender.
• Sometimes you must ask someone to be your mentor or sponsor.
• Communication between the participants in these special relationships can take place in person or via video call or email.
• When you can, be a sponsor for others.
A final thought: I have had the privilege of acting as a mentor and/or sponsor of people who began as my patients during their adolescent years and then pursued a career in orthopaedic surgery. What a joy to watch people find their passion and then progress in their chosen careers. A true honor to be savored.