Mentorship Interest in Breast Imaging: Survey Results from the Society of Breast Imaging

e-Posters

Presenter(s)

Robert J. Weinfurtner, MD

Breast Imaging Fellowship Director and Associate Member of Radiology
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, Florida

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Purpose: This study assessed mentorship interest within the breast imaging radiologist community to guide development of a mentorship program through the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI).

Materials and Methods: A nineteen-question survey developed by the SBI mentorship committee was distributed electronically to its members on 3/16/2021 to gauge interest in forming a society-sponsored mentorship program. Responses were analyzed with subgroups compared using chi-squared analysis.

Results: There was an 18% response rate (598/3277), and 65% (381/588) professed interest in a mentorship relationship through the SBI. Respondents were evenly distributed between academic (41%, 241/586) and private practice (41%, 242/586) with the remainder in hybrid practice (17%, 101/586). Most were breast imaging fellowship-trained (60%, 355/593) and identified as female (70%, 420/596). For years in practice, 50% (293/586) were late career (11+ years), 18% (108/586) mid-career (6-10 years), 16% (93/586) early career ( <6 years), and the remainder trainees. For mentorship content areas, work/life balance was the most popular choice (70%, 275/395) followed by leadership (59%, 234/395). Most respondents were not currently mentors (74%, 279/377) or mentees (84%, 284/337). Those interested in a mentorship relationship were statistically younger ( < 45 years old, 61%, 234/381 vs 15%, 31/207, p< 0.00001), female (76%, 289/381 vs 59%, 123/207, p=0.00003), academics (50%, 189/381 vs 23%, 48/207, p<0.00001), identify as a racial/ethnic minority (64%, 138/381 vs 15%, 121/297, p<0.00001), and fellowship-trained (69%, 262/381 vs 43%, 88/207, p< 0.00001).

Conclusion: There is high demand amongst the society’s surveyed members for an SBI-sponsored mentorship program, with work/life balance and leadership the most popular choices for guidance.

Clinical Relevance Statement: Within the SBI community, there is demand for a society-driven mentorship program that could address specific mentorship needs demonstrated in this survey.