Exploring Perspectives on a Women in Medicine and Science Mentorship and Networking Event: A Pilot Quality Improvement Initiative at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson.

Introduction Mentorship and networking are critical aspects of career development in academic medicine. Literature suggests that women in medicine have fewer opportunities for mentorship and networking relative to men, including reduced access to mentors and participation in career-advancing social activities. To address this, the Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) chapter at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA, hosted a women-centered mentorship and networking event for women medical and premedical students within the university. The purpose of this initiative was to (1) characterize participant perspectives on mentorship and networking for women in medicine, (2) inform the development of additional women-centered mentorship and networking opportunities within the institution, and (3) assess the perceived usefulness of the event as a professional development tool for participants. Methods The event was held at the residence of a WIMS faculty mentor to promote a comfortable yet professional space for dialogue. A total of 26 medical and premedical students attended, along with eight women faculty members representing a range of medical specialties. Students were seated in small groups with one faculty member in a round-table setting. Faculty rotated between groups every 20 minutes, ensuring students engaged with multiple physician mentors across specialties. Discussion topics included facing the realities of academic medicine as a woman, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, advice on specialty selection, and perspectives on overcoming barriers to leadership. An anonymous post-event survey was distributed to student participants to assess their views on mentorship and networking for women in medicine, as well as to gauge the usefulness of the event and interest in future events.  Results Ten out of 26 students completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 38%. Respondents reported that the event provided a transparent, supportive environment for candid discussions with women physicians. Respondents noted that learning about the professional successes of women faculty members was empowering and professionally valuable. Respondents indicated the value of women-centered mentorship and networking opportunities compared to more generalized professional development opportunities. Respondents perceived mentorship and networking for women as supportive of a more inclusive and equitable environment in medicine. Conclusion This exploratory, pilot initiative offered insight into the perspectives of medical and premedical students regarding women's professional development within the College of Medicine-Tucson. Despite a modest sample size, single-institution scope, and low survey response rate, feedback from participants supported the value of the mentorship and networking event and the expansion of similar initiatives within the institution. Future projects should refine recruitment approach and methodology to optimize participant response rates, as well as to evaluate long-term outcomes such as longitudinal mentorship, leadership role attainment, specialty selection, and career satisfaction.