1) Find someone who’s life you wouldn’t mind living. Assess the persons character, lifestyle, relationships, and career position. If you wouldn’t mind having a similar life, then consider moving forward with seeking to develop a relationship with that person. Often people will teach you according to what they have been taught and from their personal experience.
I believe, “birds of a feather, flock together.” Therefore, I am very selective about who I choose to flock with. Particularly with the demands on time medical education necessitates. Time is precious – find a flock that will help support you to your intended destination.
2) Consider the Era of advice received. Someone who just finished fellowship two years ago will not have the same perspective as someone who has been practicing in the field for 30 years. Therefore, make sure you are asking the appropriate questions to the appropriate people. For example, if you want direction on what to do for a summer scholarly project as a medical student, ask an upperclassman or a current resident. You may want to think twice about asking an established clinician who is no longer involved in academia.
I ask for direction from people with a recent history in the area of interest, for higher chances of accuracy.
3) Title does not replace Psychological Safety. If a mentor or mentor potential makes you feel bad every time you speak to them or if you don’t agree with them on most things, you are not obligated to be their mentee because they are your superior. Respectfully, find another mentor – you deserve to be empowered.
4) One is the loneliest number. You can seek more than one mentor! Not only are your mentors super busy, but you may also benefit from different perspectives at different times. Example- point 2) above.
I have four school affiliated mentors.
Resident: I seek most frequent advice, at least monthly) as she is the closet to my experience of 4th year success and residency preparation.
Faculty: who can get into the system weeds with me when I have a study material question.
Diversity and Inclusion Staff: Another for when I need perspective on diversity and inclusion topics, which are real situations for minorities in medicine (once or twice a year). If you are a person of color – be ready.
Full spectrum: from day-to-day life to future planning in clinical practice (at least twice per month).
The point I’m illustrating is that mentorship is a fluid and dynamic occurrence that should be to your benefit. Create a scenario that works best for you.
5) Batting average over perfection. We are all humans who make the best decision with the information we have at the time. Some have more experience in the area and therefore have a higher ‘batting average’ toward getting mentees on the right course of action. That implies, that sometimes, even the best mentors can lead a mentee astray. If your mentor has a higher batting average of ‘success,’ don’t discontinue the relationship for a few strikes. In the long run, you still will get better, farther, faster with that mentor.
It takes a village to get through medical school. My introverted colleagues tended to shy away from this concept of developing mentorship. They were the most panicked when it came to needing Letter of Recommendations for summer programs and residency applications. But they did get through it! So, if this blog entry scares you – I apologize and encourage you to seek alternatives that make you feel the most comfortable!
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