Valérie Biousse, MD Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology

Emory University Chair of Mentoring Committee Department of Ophthalmology

How to find a mentor?

“A wise and trusted counselor or teacher”

Particularly important in occupational settings

Serves as: coach, role model, sponsor, provider

Provides: guidance, advice, skills/knowledge, assessment/feedback

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

Mentoring refers to an active process • Role modeling refers to a more passive

process

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

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

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

On the field (not in the classroom) ◦ In clinic / in the hospital / in the lab

Not by email

Sometimes on a list of “potential mentors”

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

Being mentored is the responsibility of the mentee

Do not complain that “you are not being mentored”… ◦Make it happen! ◦ Keep the relationship active