Some History:
The term mentorship is derived from Homer’s epic, The odyssey. Mentor was the name of a character that guided Telemachus on his journey to find his father Odysseus. Today a mentor means a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Whether directly or indirectly, mentorship is pervasive in our culture and crucial to the advancement of society.
Mentorship is a key factor in promoting and maintaining fulfillment in medical practice. The mentor-mentee relationship benefits both parties in different ways. Mentors benefit from the altruistic success of helping others achieve their goals. Mentees benefit in the sense that they establish a person they can rely on for advice, suggestions, and coaching. Senior colleagues who share similar interests in clinical practice, research, administrative or community service serve as the best mentors. Mentors are role models who also act as guides for students and residents in both their personal and professional development.
When should physicians start seeking out a mentor and how?
· Mentors should be established early on in residency and even throughout medical school training when students find their niche and interests.
· The best way to start a mentee-mentorship relationship is reach out to someone with a specific request that shares similar interests. These will naturally then develop into a mentorship.
· Many national organizations (eg. EMRA) also offer mentorship and pair mentees with mentors of similar interests.
· Establishing a mentor does not need to be a formal process many times this occurs informally
· The best way to find a mentor is to find people you admire in your field or someone in a position that you might envision yourself in one day
What qualities or traits should mentees look for in a mentor?
· Find a mentor who you feel you can connect with and will inspire you and support you throughout your journey
· A mentor should be someone that can celebrate you as an individual during the best of times and someone that can also help you overcome roadblocks
· The key to mentorship is feeling comfortable with your mentor
Can you only have one mentor or is it ok to have multiple mentors?
· It is good to have a few mentors as each mentor will likely have their own expertise. For example someone that is a great clinical mentor may be different then someone you may want to approach to help mentor you in research vs someone who can help guide your career path
What is the Mentees role?
· Mentees should take initiative in driving their relationships with mentors.
· Be proactive around scheduling meetings and identifying topics of discussion with your mentor
· The ability to critique oneself and make changes on the basis of advice and probing from a mentor is important to a mentee’s development
Want to get involved in Mentorship here are a few places you can sign up to be a mentor for medical students:
· https://medicalmentor.org/join-us/
· https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/student-resident-mentorship-program/
“ A good mentor is a tremendous asset in this complex profession, so search for one. Once you have found one, cherish his or her time and wisdom. Mentors, in addition to teaching through words and deeds, show us care and respect and empower us to confidently approach the myriad complications inherent to the human condition.” Dr. Ahmed Mian
Go out there and find your mentors!
Sources:
· https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29691796/
· https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(10)00385-6/pdf
· https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/the-importance-of-mentorship/
· https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/the-importance-of-mentorship/