Isra Medical Journal

Title:

Necessity of Incorporating A Mentoring Program In Medical Schools

Authors:

Umar Ali Khan, Humaira Zafar

Published on:

2017-08-31

Journal Reference:

Volume 9- Issue 4 July - August 2017

Pages:

199-200

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DOI:

The purpose behind introducing a mentoring or mentor ship program is to help the junior faculty (mentees) to enhance theirprofessional skills and to identify future career goals. However, for the mentors (senior faculty), it provides an ideal means foracquiring satisfaction by helping and guiding their junior colleagues. The mentoring system was firstly introduced in the large privatesectorcorporations of USA in 1970s. The aim behind development of such plan was to support the junior staff. While in late 1990s, inorder to meet the needs of upcoming advancements, this program was formally introduced in the field of various medicalprofessions¹.

Despite having a widespread use of a word 'mentoring', there is no clear distinction between the words "coaching", "tutoring", and"mentoring". There are many definitions used for the description of mentoring. As per the one narrated in SCOPME English scientificliterature, it is a process in which an experienced, empathetic person i.e the mentor, guides another young individual i.e the mentee.

This helps in the development and re-examination of their own ideas, learning, and professional development. This is achieved by aninteraction between mentor and mentee, who often belongs to same field or organization.²

Garmeletal (2004); narrated that it is a supportive and often protective process to use mentor's wisdom for the guidance of a menteewhenever required. This definitely requires the participation and cooperation of both the mentee (who is being guided) and mentor(who guides) for successful outcomes. For the mentees or junior faculty the process helps in enhancing the professional academicskills and career management/growth.³While for the faculty it promotes productivity and career satisfaction. Moreover, effectivementoring relationship is also helpful for the formulation and realization of one's own dream by evolution of personal developmentand growth. The ultimate achievement is identification of personal and professional goals based upon the individual's own values.⁴

Thus, summarizing all, it can be well said that by this program five points can be distinguished i.e development of career plans /options, clear focus on career goals, realization regarding the steps for a bright career and finally the evaluation for the careeradvancement. The mentoring relationship is considered playing an important role for the development of career amongst the juniorfaculty, medical students and the residents. It is essential and vital for professional maturation and growth in early phases of life. Forthe purpose it is expected from the senior faculty to model the desired attitudes and behaviors for their junior colleagues. Thus, theentire process provides benefits both to the mentors and mentees.⁵

Garmeletal (2004); narrated in his research findings that process of mentoring is considered as a dynamic, short but an ongoing one.There can be many breaks or hindrances in this relationship with reunion and re establishments soon. He also emphasized that thisentire process most remain non competitive.³Chos etal(2011); firstly identified the qualities of good a mentor. The results of his study showed that compassion, enthusiasm,selflessness, career guide, supportive, role modeling, motivational, encouraging, and broader vision are the important qualities for agood mentor. Who can really foster the career of mentees or the junior faculty.⁶ A study report by Sharon etal (2013); also describethat a good mentor should act as a professional, committed, supportive role model and career guide for the mentee's future building.Besides the mentoring program for adults, a literature review had highlighted that establishment of mentoring program for youth age group as well.^7,8 While in another study it was highlighted that this program should especially focus the target aggressive children andantisocial youth. Literature review had justified that on comparison with coaching or counselling, this is a cost free and career promoting & advancement tool.⁹

Andre etal in 2017 introduced another way of mentoring. His study results had focused the vertical peer mentoring. In that specificmethod, senior students helped their juniors. The successful results were observed both for the mentor and mentee students. Thementor/ senior students felt rewarded and satisfied. While the mentee / junior students also found themselves more comfortable with their colleagues.¹⁰

In view of all this, there is a dire need to incorporate such programs in a medical school, ultimately promote the growth, training anddevelopment of mentees / junior students (especially the medical students). Moreover the highlighted ideal qualities for a Mentor willplay a pivotal role for the success of this program.