%0 Journal Article
%T Longitudinal program evaluation of an inter-institutional mentorship network for pediatric rheumatology using a quality improvement framework.
%A Hayward K
%A Grom A
%A Muscal E
%A Nigrovic PA
%A Rouster-Stevens KA
%A Ardalan K
%A Hiraki L
%A Moorthy LN
%A  
%J Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
%V 22
%N 1
%D 2024 Jul 10
%M 38982530
%F 3.413
%R 10.1186/s12969-024-00993-1
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Mentoring Interest Group (AMIGO) is an inter-institutional mentorship program launched to target mentorship gaps within pediatric rheumatology. Initial program evaluation indicated increased mentorship access. Given the small size of the pediatric rheumatology workforce, maintaining a consistent supply of mentors was a potential threat to the longevity of the network. Our aims were to: (i) describe the sustainability of AMIGO over the period 2011-2018, (ii) highlight ongoing benefits to participants, and (iii) describe challenges in the maintenance of a mentorship network.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A mixed-methods approach centered on a quality improvement framework was used to report on process and outcomes measures associated with AMIGO annual cycles.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>US and Canada Pediatric rheumatology workforce surveys identified 504 possible participants during the time period. As of fall 2018, 331 unique individuals had participated in AMIGO as a mentee, mentor or both for a program response rate of 66% (331/504). Survey of mentees indicated high satisfaction with impact on general career development, research/scholarship and work-life balance. Mentors indicated increased sense of connection to the community and satisfaction with helping mentees despite limited perceived benefit to their academic portfolios. Based on AMIGO's success, a counterpart program for adult rheumatology, Creating Adult Rheumatology Mentorship in Academia (CARMA), was launched in 2018.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Despite the challenges of a limited workforce, AMIGO continues to provide consistent access to mentorship opportunities for the pediatric rheumatology community. This experience can inform approaches to mentorship gaps in other academic subspecialties.