Choosing a mentor Valérie Biousse, MD Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology Emory University Chair of Mentoring Committee Department of Ophthalmology

How to find a mentor? (And how do you make busy people -- who do not know you - want to mentor you?)

What’s a mentor? “A wise and trusted counselor or teacher” Particularly important in occupational settings

Mentor Serves as: coach, role model, sponsor, provider Provides: guidance, advice, skills/knowledge, assessment/feedback

Hippocrates Oath (late 5th century BCE) I swear … to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath and agreement: To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; To look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art

Mentor ≠ Role Model Mentoring refers to an active process Role modeling refers to a more passive process

The mentor might be a role model A mentor interacts one-on-one with a mentee and offers wisdom, guidance and encouragement In doing so, the mentor frequently comes to know the mentee on a personal level

What’s mentoring? Symbiotic relationship aimed at advancing careers and career satisfaction for both the mentor and the mentee Dynamic, collaborative, reciprocal relationship focused on a mentee's personal and professional development Can develop either spontaneously, based on mutual interests, or be set up institutionally

What studies have shown Increased mentoring associated with increased overall satisfaction with resident training Lack of mentorship associated with a loss of interest in pursuing a career in academia Mentorship helps with: career decisions; finding a job; productivity with research; promotion; reducing stress

Where do you find a mentor? On the field (not in the classroom) In clinic / in the hospital / in the lab Not by email Rarely on a list of “potential mentors”

“Managing up” by the mentee Corporate concept Requires the mentee to take responsibility for his/her part in the collaborative alliance and to be the leader of the relationship by guiding and facilitating the mentor's efforts to create a satisfying and productive relationship for both parties

“Managing up” by the mentee Being mentored is the responsibility of the mentee Do not complain that “you are not being mentored”… Make it happen! Keep the relationship active