The Transformative Power of Mentorship: Establishing a Personal Board of Directors

Doctor and Surgery team operating

Stepping into the inaugural American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN) dinner in 2022, surrounded by almost 30 Black neurosurgeons, residents and medical students, was an indescribable experience. In that room, I encountered past program neurosurgery department chairs and senior attendings, who welcomed me into the fold with open arms. The presence of such accomplished individuals […]

How (Not) to Approach Mentorship: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective

Doctor and Surgery team operating

“I’m happy to write a letter of recommendation for you, but you should know that I will only mentor you if you decide to stay here for the summer…” This was my introduction to mentorship as a first-year medical student. The offer was straightforward, and as a first-generation student without any external mentors, I took […]