A Culture of Mentorship: The Full Circle of Support
Mentorship is the foundation of a thriving academic community. It fosters growth, builds confidence, and creates opportunities. This year, the Leaders in Empowerment & Development (LEAD) awards recognize two outstanding faculty members from the WashU Medicine Division of Gastroenterology, who exemplify the power of mentorship and sponsorship in action.
Dr. Deborah Rubin, William B Kountz Professor of Medicine and Professor of Developmental Biology, was honored with the LEAD award in the late-career category for her life-long commitment to supporting and advancing the careers of women in medicine. As a mentor and sponsor, she has opened doors for countless trainees and junior faculty, ensuring their voices are heard, their contributions recognized, and their careers propelled forward.
About Dr. Rubin: “I cannot think of anyone else who has been as influential and supportive of my development as a person and as a clinician, and who has inspired me to become a female leader in academic gastroenterology.”
Dr. Judy Trieu, an assistant professor of medicine, received the LEAD award in the early-career category. A dedicated advocate for her peers, Dr. Trieu has embraced the role of mentor and champion for others, paying forward the support she has received. Her recognition is a testament to the idea that mentorship is not just about guidance from senior to junior—it is a continuous cycle of support and elevation.
“Dr. Trieu is highly regarded within the GI division and has established herself as a resource and leader in the short time she has been a member of our faculty. She is an exceptional role model for women trainees and junior faculty and is one of the most energetic, enthusiastic and optimistic colleagues we have ever recruited”
This is the first time both LEAD award recipients come from the same division, underscoring the strong culture of mentorship within Gastroenterology. The impact of mentorship and sponsorship extends beyond individual relationships; it shapes the culture of an institution. When senior faculty actively support and sponsor junior faculty, they not only uplift the next generation but also cultivate a culture where recognition and advancement are shared responsibilities. Likewise, when junior faculty nominate and acknowledge the contributions of their mentors, it reinforces the importance of these relationships and ensures that a cycle of empowerment continues.
Dr. Rubin and Dr. Trieu’s awards highlight a powerful truth: mentorship is not just about personal success—it is about building a legacy. By fostering an environment of support and sponsorship, we create a workplace where talent is nurtured, achievements are celebrated, and the next generation of leaders emerges with the confidence to guide others.
As we celebrate these remarkable faculty members, let us also commit to strengthening this cycle of mentorship, ensuring that every faculty member—at every stage of their career—has the opportunity to rise and to lift others along the way.