The State of Mentorship and Pancreatic Research among Trainees in Pancreatology: A Multinational Survey Study

Objectives The recent decrease seen in pancreatic research and young investigator involvement may reflect inadequate mentorship. This study aimed to describe the current state of mentorship in pancreatic research and evaluate how mentorship is associated with research productivity. Methods In this prospective study, a survey addressing mentorship and research was distributed to trainees worldwide. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression was used to describe the association between mentorship and trainee research productivity. Results A total of 137 trainees from 16 countries participated. Although two-thirds of trainees expressed interest in pancreatic research and had identified a mentor in the field, only 34.8% had published a manuscript. Barriers to pancreatic research included lack of research opportunities (58.3%), limited mentorship (23.3%), and inadequate institutional support (15%). Although having a single mentor was not associated with research productivity (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-2.76), having a local mentor was significantly associated with publishing (odds ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-10.74). Conclusions Although many trainees interested in pancreatology have access to a mentor, barriers including lack of research opportunities, mentorship, and institutional support hinder trainee productivity. Opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and networking are needed.