After completing my specialty training, I felt lost, I sought answers from so many colleagues who were steps ahead of me. I realized that everyone was so busy and I didn't receive enough information. No one had the dedicated time to spend speaking to me about a path to take or a career choice to make. It wouldn't have been necessary for me to bother so many people if I had a medical mentor. Putting pieces together was all I could do just to know what to do or not do. My experience inspired me to write this post. Through it, I hope to shed more light on the importance of mentorship.

An important factor that promotes and maintains satisfaction in medical practice is medical mentorship. While this may not seem immediately obvious, reports from both junior and senior doctors indicate how critical it is.

Many medical doctors who have satisfying careers in a speciality are not shy about admitting they got help along the way. These doctors may have had one or more key medical mentors whose advice was valuable to their career growth.

Most doctors in training do not realise the significance of developing and nurturing a relationship with a mentor. Becoming a doctor can be an arduous journey, and despite having many colleagues, it can also be quite lonely. There are numerous exams to write, and your colleagues likely have the same difficulties as you do. Therefore, going to them for solace or advice may not seem the best choice.

Young doctors in residency usually have been on a controlled path since medical school. Thus, they may need guidance when they get to a point when several pathways are available. At this point, an established relationship with a mentor might be the difference between the right choice and a regrettable one.

Having a mentor means that there is someone to talk to when the unique pressures of being a young doctor get overwhelming. You may need someone to hold your hands as you navigate your career path.

One important ingredient for a successful relationship with a mentor is honesty. There should be a personal connection between the mentor and the mentee.

Having a mentor is also especially crucial for international medical graduates. They are mostly the ones who need guidance navigating cultural obstacles they might face in a new country.

5 Key Mentorship Questions For Young Doctors

When is the best time to start looking for a mentor?

The early stages of your formal training are the best time to begin looking for a mentor. This period could be when you are looking for a residency program or even at the beginning of medical school. An honest conversation at this point can help you set your professional goals, define your path, and learn how to overcome obstacles. One way to go about this is to connect with your senior colleagues, consultants, and professors. You may approach them directly and request mentorship, or you can slowly build the relationship. This slow-build could begin in the form of advice for research projects or guidance on how to publish a paper. These specific requests can then grow organically into a relationship. You may also seek organizations that provide professional mentor services.

• In what areas do I need a medical mentor?

It is helpful to have a medical mentor to help you with the choice of exams to take if you haven't decided on a path yet, to get the right resources for preparing for the exam, and overall guidance on how to prepare for any medical exam. As a young medical doctor or international medical graduate you may also need guidance in choosing a specialty, finding your feet in day-to-day practice, and finding your niche. Get in touch here if you need assistance or are struggling to pass a medical exam https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/products/preparation-for-medical-exams

• What characteristics should I look for in a mentor?

A good mentor is always willing to help you succeed in your endeavors. It is crucial to seek mentors who will inspire you and guide you around obstacles as you grow. Because mentors tend to be older and more experienced, it is easy to idolise them. You should seek a mentor who will treat you as an individual and not intimidate you. You certainly need someone who can give you the push you need to meet your next goals. It may not matter their area of expertise, but they should have the time and passion for being vested in your future. They should also be able to act as your sponsor and connect you with the right people and resources.

Can I have multiple mentors?

You can have one mentor, but you can also have ten, which would be okay. Many doctors in the advanced stages of their careers benefited from having at least one mentor. Depending on your needs, you can even have mentors at different career stages and phases. You can have a clinical mentor, a research mentor, an overall career mentor, or all three simultaneously. You could also even have a personal mentor who you can bond with on a personal level. There is no harm in having many mentors; what is most important is that your mentor is beneficial to you. However, as a young doctor in training, it is advisable to begin with one mentor and add more as you grow and require more assistance.

How can I deal with expectations in a mentor-mentee relationship?

It is essential to make your expectations as clear as possible from the beginning. For example, you may ask your mentor if it is okay to call outside work hours. You may also ask if it is okay to invite them for lunch or a drink to discuss aspects of your medical career. Do not shy from asking about your mentor's best possible communication channels, including the best times to contact and frequency. The expectations can be fluid initially, but both parties should establish goals as the relationship develops.

What should I do if the mentor relationship is not working?

If you feel that the relationship is not a good fit, you should let the mentor know immediately. It would help if you discussed your concerns with the mentor to understand the problem better. If you feel that there can be no resolve, let the mentor know that you are considering going in a different direction. It is important to end positively, so you should thank them for their guidance so far. You may also suggest if they could remain as friends. A mismatch of expectations and unrealistic goals are the most common causes of failed mentor relations. However, a mentor relationship can be like dating; find someone else if the chemistry does not feel right.

Conclusion

You cannot overstate the need for a mentor as a young doctor. Navigating the challenging path of medical practice can be tasking, and you might require the insights of a medical mentor. Medical practitioners with years of experience are better positioned to guide you to make certain career choices. So are you a young doctor or medical student looking for an excellent medical mentor that can guide you and help you achieve your goals? Reach out by clicking the link below and let us have a chat. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/products/career-consultation 

Cheers
Dr Mute'