Introduction to mentoring
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Concept of mentoring Mentor (Greek: Μέντωρ/Méntōr; gen.: Μέντορος). In the writings of Homer's Odysseus (1200 BC) Mentor was Athene in disguise and shared a near-paternal relationship with Telemachus. Mentor has been adopted in English as a term meaning a 'father-like teacher'. |
Doctors spend their formative years in a highly competitive environment and this tends towards a culture of self-reliance and professional isolation with difficulty sharing experiences and, more importantly, problems.
With the trend towards structured training we are moving away from the idea that mentorship is a sign of weakness or a need for remedial action, and doctors now realise the necessity for personal, educational and professional support through training. The benefit is seen at any stage of a doctor's career; from their first day at medical school leading up to retirement.
The RCOG advocates mentoring for all doctors in training and beyond to assist learning and self-development and modify professional behaviour.
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Mentor ≠ Educational supervisor |
Mentoring is a key component of effective professional development. This tutorial looks at what mentoring involves. It explains how to find a mentor and how to be one. It also considers some tough issues that a trainee in difficulty can face.
A mentor is a ‘trusted and faithful guide for a person who is on a journey of personal, professional and career development’. Connor et al, Medical Education, 2000.
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Learning objectives When you have completed this tutorial you will be able to:
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Last updated: 21/01/11 (tutorial was reviewed and updated)
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