Table 3.

Summary of recommendations for future surgical mentoring schemes based on the findings of this study

The mentor should:

Be chosen by the trainee

Work in the same region and specialty as the mentee

Have received formal mentoring training

Maintain strict confidentiality

Be approachable

Take an interest in the trainee

Be accessible

Mentoring meetings should ideally be face to face

Mentoring meetings should be informal and undocumented if the trainee wishes

The ideal frequency of mentoring sessions is monthly, although flexibility is required

The system should be self-sustaining, with mentees wishing to mentor being offered training in mentoring schemes