Additionally, Dr. Rosen suggests knowing when to end a mentoring relationship that is a bad fit. “Think about red flags early on that signal a mismatch and be ready to end it early,” he says. “A bad mentor can kill a mentee’s career.”
4. Focus on communication: “Really good communication is essential to strengthening a mentor–mentee relationship,” Dr. Rosen says. To establish a strong communication approach, think about preferred methods for regular meeting times and best means of communication to set a standard for open, honest and regular conversation at a deeper level.”
Carina Stanton is a freelance science journalist based in Denver.
Reference
- Shanafelt T, West, CP, Sinsky C, et al. Changes in burnout and satisfaction with work–life integration in physicians and the general U.S. working population between 2011 and 2017. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019 Sep;94(9):1681–1694.
Learn More
Antony Rosen, MBChB, MS, and Marissa Bailey, APRN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner, will share de-identified mentoring experiences as part of an interactive education session on cultivating strong mentoring relationships during the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting, Nov. 8–13.
Mentoring Resources from the ACR
Professional mentoring aids individual development and advances careers, as well as contributes to a more sustainable rheumatology workforce. To support and encourage mentor–mentee relationships, the ACR offers two mentoring programs:
- The ACR/CARRA Mentoring Interest Group for Pediatric Rheumatologists (AMIGO) is a pediatric rheumatology mentoring program that supports the career development of fellows and junior faculty in pediatric rheumatology through educational services, facilitated networking, and a one-on-one mentor; and
- Creating Adult Rheumatology Mentorship in Academia (CARMA) is a mentoring program that supports the career development of rheumatology trainees and junior faculty as they transition out of fellowship programs.
Visit the ACR website for more information on both programs.
