Becoming a Skilled Mentor: Tools, Tips, & Training Vignettes

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Faculty are expected to serve as mentors to junior faculty or residents with little or no preparation for the role. This program is designed to provide the mentor with tips and strategies on how to establish and navigate a new mentoring relationship. It is also valuable to the mentee in developing a strategic career plan with specific examples focused on promotion. Methods The 90-minute session includes introductory slides identifying topics to be discussed with accompanying video clips. The video clips are of a typical initial mentor/mentee discussion and show the role of each addressing and demonstrating important tasks, resources, and skills necessary to accomplish the goals of the relationship. During the clip a mentoring agreement, mentoring worksheet, and peer teaching assessment form are reviewed and important topics, such as professional/personal life challenges, promotion and tenure, and institutional support, are discussed. Following the video clips, key points slides are provided as summaries of topics covered. The end of the presentation documents the importance of successful mentoring relationships to both individuals and the institution. Results This resource has been presented seven times over the past 2 years. One participant commented “The workshop showed what mentoring is and could be with basic discussion of how to be effective as a mentor and a mentee. This is a workshop everyone should attend within the first months of joining the College of Medicine faculty.” Discussion This particular program focuses on mentoring of junior faculty but the principles are applicable to resident or fellow mentoring programs.

Keywords

• Faculty Development
• Mentors
• Promotion
• Tenure
• Mentee
• Professional/Personal Life Challenges