Despite studies showing the benefits to mentored trainees, particularly women, minorities, and non-traditional students often find their voices overlooked in larger student bodies, and their specific needs are not always addressed by traditional programs, limiting their full potential. This has contributed to their underrepresentation in surgical specialties, especially otolaryngology (ENT). This study is survey and interview-based, involving residents and faculty across various otolaryngology programs, in which their responses will be analyzed to identify patterns that define valuable mentorship experiences. Five preliminary themes have emerged, with "Communication," "Connection Outside the Workplace," and "Similarities Matter but Aren't Everything" being the most recurring and impactful. All participants shared that they were both informal mentors and mentees, and they emphasized the value of mentorship in both their personal and academic life at all stages.
