With Canadian patients facing critical wait times due to a nationwide shortage of orthopaedic access, clinicians are feeling the strain as well. The unique challenges facing orthopaedic surgeons require unique interventions. When UBC Orthopaedics launched the Mentorship Program earlier this year, we focused on uplifting and empowering its doctors through inspiring mentorship by connecting residents, fellows, and experienced surgeons with seasoned leaders. The goal? To build confidence, foster collaboration, and create a culture of continuous learning.
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentorship provides more than professional guidance; it offers emotional support, resilience strategies, and clarity during pivotal career decisions. As surgeons often transition into leadership roles without formal training, mentorship accelerates leadership development and strengthens decision-making confidence. It also promotes diversity and inclusion by breaking down systemic barriers and encouraging empathy across different backgrounds.
What Mentors and Mentees Gain
Mentors can support mentees in areas such as:
- Clinical, research, and academic growth
- Life balance and family planning
- Financial mentoring and practice management
- Career transitions or practice pivots
At a time when residents face hurdles navigating their careers, mentorship offers perspective and reassurance. As one mentor shared: “This is more rewarding than I expected. It’s actually really great spending time with a younger colleague. The learning and insight go two ways!”
“Working with Dr. Hayley Spurr has been incredibly valuable! Our conversations have helped me refine my academic goals and navigate some bigger-picture decisions in residency. One of the most meaningful aspects has been having a consistent point of support outside my immediate rotation environment, which has given me helpful perspective and reassurance as I progress through training.”
— Mentee Taylor Ricci, Orthopaedic Resident
Since May 2025, we’ve carefully matched and supported 24 mentor-mentee pairs at various career stages within the Department. Led by Dr. Carrie Kollias, Director of Mentorship and Wellness and Clinical Associate Professor, and sponsored by Dr. Kishore Mulpuri, Head of UBC Orthopaedics, the program continues to grow.
How It Works
Once you complete the Mentor or Mentee Intake Form, we’ll assess what your needs and values are. Once we think we have found you a suitable match, we reach out to both mentee and mentor individually to confirm compatibility. Once confirmed, we make the pairing official. After signing the Mentorship Agreement, pairs meet every 1–3 months, either face to face or virtual. Financial reimbursement for meet-ups is provided in line with UBC Faculty of Medicine Expense Guidelines.
Learn more and access the forms here: UBC Orthopaedics Mentorship & Wellness
Join Us
We are continuously welcoming new mentor and mentee applicants. Ready to make a difference?
Thank you to the pairs who have been meeting and making time to support one another in their professional and personal journeys in Orthopaedics. Every conversation, every shared experience, helps create a culture of support and excellence. Whether you’re looking to give back as a mentor or seeking clarity as a mentee, your participation makes a difference.
Join us in growing this network of knowledge and support. Apply today and be part of a program that empowers careers, fosters leadership, and builds community.
