Mentorship
What is mentorship?
Mentorship is a partnership between a more experienced and knowledgeable individual (mentor) and a less experienced individual (mentee) seeking to learn, develop skills, and advance their career in the healthcare profession. The mentor is typically someone who has achieved a level of success that the mentee aspires to reach. Through this relationship, the mentee, who could be a medical student, trainee (resident or fellow), or junior staff member, can benefit from the mentor's expertise and past experiences, gaining valuable insights into the healthcare profession.
The mentor can serve as an advisor, consultant, or coach depending on the mentor's expertise and the mentee's needs. For example, a mentorship relationship can be designed to help the mentee improve clinical skills, navigate the job search process, or advance research endeavors. It's common to have different mentors for different purposes, as each mentor may have different strengths.
Mentorship also provides networking opportunities, as the mentor can facilitate connections between the mentee and other professionals in the field. In summary, mentorship is a valuable tool for professional development in healthcare, offering guidance, support, and connections that can help mentees achieve their goals.
Do I really need a mentor?
Throughout medical school and residency, I didn't have any formal mentors, but I did actively seek the opinions, advice, and feedback of several surgeons I respected. As a young staff surgeon, I still didn't actively pursue mentorship, though I now recognize that it could have been highly beneficial. My first formal mentorship relationship was late in my training, when I was an Acute Care Surgery fellow and I was required to choose a staff member as a mentor.
It's not uncommon for trainees to lack mentors, and one possible explanation resonates with me. "Many young people today who end up in residency…have been on a fast track. They’re essentially high-achieving, highly driven professional students who have been on a fairly regimented pathway…and they haven’t reached a point where there are multiple pathways they could take."(1) As someone who has been on a straight path since high school, progressing from high school to medical school to residency to being a junior faculty, I potentially missed out on a valuable asset.
It's important to note that having a mentor is not a requirement, but developing a strong relationship with a mentor can positively influence one's success. It's highly recommended that individuals consider formal mentorship, but it's equally important to recognize that they have the ability to end relationships that are toxic or not a good fit.
How do I find a mentor?
Mentorship relationships can be an essential aspect of professional growth for medical trainees. These relationships can develop organically or be assigned by program directors in residency or fellowship programs. If you are assigned a mentor, it can be a great experience, but it is also possible that you may not mesh well if the assignment was not carefully considered. It's essential to recognize that if you find yourself in a mentor-mentee relationship that is not productive, amicable, or beneficial, it's okay to end the relationship and seek out another mentor.
On the other hand, organic mentorship relationships can also be incredibly fruitful. As you work with various individuals in different settings, such as the operating room, during rounds, or while discussing consults, you will begin to form opinions and may find that you gravitate towards a particular person. If you respect and trust them and they demonstrate skills or expertise that you want to learn from, they might be a viable option as a mentor.
The process of finding a mentor can be as simple as asking the person you would like to work with if they would be willing to mentor you. Remember, the worst they can do is say no, so it's worth taking the risk to ask. If they don't have the time to commit to being a mentor, they may be able to connect you with someone else who could be a good fit.
It's important to recognize that mentorship relationships require effort from both the mentor and the mentee. While your mentor can offer guidance, support, and feedback, it's ultimately up to you to take ownership of your own professional development. Be clear about your goals, seek out feedback, and be receptive to constructive criticism. By putting in the work, you can make the most of your mentorship relationship and set yourself up for success in your career.
Finding a mentor can be a great way to help you achieve your personal and professional goals, but it's important to have a plan in place to make the most of the relationship. Here are some steps you can take after finding a mentor to ensure that you get the most out of the relationship:
1. Set specific goals: Take some time to think about what you hope to gain from your mentorship. Are you looking to improve your skills in a particular area? Do you want help navigating a career transition? By setting specific goals, you can make sure that you and your mentor are on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
2. Establish communication: Once you've set your goals, it's important to establish how you will communicate with your mentor and how frequently you will meet. This can be done through formal meetings, phone calls, or casual chats over coffee. Make sure that both you and your mentor are comfortable with the frequency and type of communication.
3. Complete assignments or tasks: Your mentor may assign you tasks or provide you with guidance on specific projects. It's important to take these assignments seriously and complete them as directed. This could be anything from revising your CV to drafting a study protocol. By following through on these tasks, you can demonstrate your commitment to the mentorship and make progress towards your goals.
4. Reassess and refine: As you work with your mentor, it's important to regularly reassess your progress and refine your goals. This may involve checking off completed tasks, adding new objectives, or removing items that are no longer a priority. By keeping your goals current and relevant, you can make sure that you are making the most of the mentorship.
Overall, finding a mentor can be an incredibly valuable experience. By taking the time to set goals, establish communication, complete assignments, and reassess your progress, you can make sure that you get the most out of the relationship and achieve your personal and professional objectives.