Academic Medicine: Rationale and Models for Career Advancement Sponsorship in Academic Medicine

An article from Academic Medicine differentiates mentorship from sponsorship in academic medicine. While the former centers on personal and professional development (e.g., skill-building and goal-setting), the latter concept targets overall career advancement through an understanding of organizational structures, by enhancing one’s visibility, credibility, and professional networks. The authors detail the gender disparities that exist in sponsorship, with men more likely to receive sponsorship. They discuss two existing sponsorship models and call for their broader, more equitable implementation.