The importance of mentorship programs during residency: the Big Brother Project

Mentorship programs are crucial in medical education. The ‘Big Brother Project’ was conceptualized to evaluate the need, feasibility, and characteristics of a resident-to-resident peer-mentorship program. The program aimed to pair senior residents (‘Big Brothers’) with first-year residents. The program development study was conducted in two phases: designing the program, and t surveying residents. The survey assessed opinions on program duration, pairing criteria, benefits, and drawbacks. Results from 114 residents showed a diverse sample. Most residents were previously unaware of peer-mentorship programs but viewed the Project positively. The majority suggested a two-year duration, with third year residents deemed the most suitable mentors. Random pairing by service attendings was preferred, and most residents believed the program should be optional. The study highlighted the importance of mentorship in reducing stress, preventing burnout, and improving professional development. The findings support the implementation of the Big Brother Project, providing insights for designing an effective, low-cost, and well-received peer-mentorship program.