Celebrating Mentorship at the SUNY Downstate Annual Mentorship Symposium

Mar 2, 2025

We are excited to share that Dr. Jodi-Ann Edwards and Dr. Sherene Sharath proudly represented our Department of Surgery at the inaugural SUNY Downstate Annual Mentorship Symposium, held on January 17, 2025, at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan. 

 

Dr. Jodi-Ann Edwards, our general surgery PGY4 and former iNSPIRe (Clinical Science Program for Independent Research) research fellow, delivered an insightful presentation about mentorship for residents and medical students. This presentation was based on her influential publication, “Mentorship of Underrepresented Minorities and Women in Surgery,” published in the American Journal of Surgery (AJS) 2021. Dr. Edwards emphasized how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the physician workforce and effective mentorship can significantly enhance the quality of medical education and improve patient care. She expressed gratitude to her mentors for the invaluable opportunities that have allowed her to represent Downstate on both local and national platforms. 

  

Dr. Sherene Sharath, our Clinical Research Director, also significantly impacted the symposium with her presentation, “Inspiring a Community-Based Mentorship Model.” She highlighted the benefits of the iNSPIRe program, focusing on the high-quality research opportunities it provides to medical students, residents, faculty, and patients. Dr. Sharath's exceptional coaching and mentorship have been pivotal in the success of program participants, showcasing the importance of structured mentorship in fostering research excellence. 

  

The symposium featured a keynote address from Dr. Adaira Landry, a nationally recognized mentorship expert and co-author of "MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact." The event was enriched with lightning talks that showcased innovations in mentorship, along with interactive workshops to enhance mentorship skills. Attendees also participated in a panel discussion centered on sustainable mentorship strategies and nurturing a culture of support. 

  

This symposium was a valuable opportunity to delve into the science and practice of mentorship in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. We are immensely proud of Dr. Jodi-Ann Edwards and Dr. Sherene Sharath for their outstanding contributions and for representing our department’s commitment to mentorship.