Diversity of Mentorship to Increase Diversity in Academic Pediatrics

Increasing the number of academic physicians from underrepresented groups in medicine is a complex problem requiring multiple solutions. Increasing diversity in academic medicine requires investment of time and resources from institutions, public and private organizations, and individuals. For early career academic physicians who are underrepresented in medicine, a cornerstone of career development has been the presence of invested mentors of various rank, sex, and race and ethnicity.¹ The objective with this article is to outline the distinct approaches and varied types of mentorship that are necessary to create a more diverse academic pediatric community.

Identification of compatible mentors may be a challenge for physicians from underrepresented backgrounds.^2,3 Often, mentees and mentors connect around a shared background, such as similar demographic characteristics, culture, educational background, or professional aspirations, as is natural for any interpersonal relationship.⁴ This can present a barrier for Black trainees who seek out and may benefit from Black mentorship.⁴ Being from an underrepresented group in medicine is an experience that is associated with unique obstacles.⁴ Physicians from underrepresented groups in medicine are exposed to daily microaggressions and biases from patients, staff, and, at times, colleagues.³ Black providers are frequently mistaken for nonmedical staff despite taking efforts to be recognized as physicians.³ Physicians from underrepresented groups in medicine experience social isolation, a tension between personal and professional identities, …

Address correspondence to Colin J. Orr, MD, MPH, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 231 MacNider CB#7220, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. E-mail: colin_orr{at}med.unc.edu