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V O L 4 2019 I S S U E
beneficial to doctors, their colleagues, patients A mentorship should thus: Mentorship thus is the process whereby an potential for the mentor to directly impact on
and to the [NHS] organization as a whole”, and experienced, highly regarded, empathetic the mentee’s career.
strongly advocates mentoring at all stages of 1. Focus on achievement or acquisition of individual (the mentor) guides another 3. Reflective (mentor becomes a reflective
a surgeon’s education and throughout their knowledge. individual (the mentee) in the development practitioner) - involves the mentor as a ‘wise
career [4] 2. Have three components: Emotional and and re-examination of their own idea, learning, man’ aiding the mentee to reflect on their
psychological support, direct assistance and personal and professional development. skills, their knowledge, their decision making
Mentoring has been most widely studied within with career and professional development, During his days in medical college the mentee and moral values.
academic medicine, where it is perceived and role modeling. may have read everything about liposuction 4. Informal (mentor acts as sponsor or friend)
to play an important role in influencing 3. Be reciprocal, where both mentor and and fat grafting, he may have attended a few - is less restrictive and prescriptive.
personal development, career guidance, career mentee derive emotional or tangible seminars and workshops on the subject but 5. Continuum of mentoring sees the process
choice, and research productivity [5]. benefits. A mutually beneficial, goal yet is hesitant to do them in his practice, or as a journey for both mentee and mentor
orientated, two-way interaction between worse still, is foolish enough to go right ahead where both learn new skills and develop over
So what is expected two individuals aimed at facilitating the and do them with disastrous consequences! the mentoring period.
This is when he needs the hand holding and
of this very precious mentees to achieve their goals and realize the wisdom of a mentor. As to which model is best could be answered
their potential.
by considering who would benefit from each
relationship? 4. Be personal in nature, involving direct An effective mentor will facilitate the model most. The majority of surgical trainers
interaction, discussion and hand holding. development of independence, self-confidence, who train and informally mentor well, could
Mentors should aim to encourage their 5. Emphasize the mentor’s greater job satisfaction, upward mobility, and decision- continue to follow the apprenticeship or
mentees to progress through reflection on experience, influence, and achievement making/problem-solving skills in the protégé. informal models with no detriment to their
their own goals, skills and knowledge, as within a particular organization. Books, journals, conferences, workshops and trainee. Such an approach would not rock the
opposed to simply providing them with advice. internet will give information, discussion with boat nor would it require further manpower
colleagues, seniors and firsthand experience and educational support.
will filter out the not so useful information
and leave you with knowledge, and once Training of Mentors
this knowledge is distilled through the vast
experience and knowledge of the mentor Ideally mentors should receive training in
then what is served to the mentee is wisdom! mentoring techniques by an accredited
And it is the search of this wisdom which had mentoring coach prior to mentoring trainees.
brought the mentee to his mentor! So what is This will ensure that the mentoring relationship
expected from this relationship is the wisdom benefits both participants.
to practice the speciality in its purest form, be
the very best in the world, a source of pride for Ongoing training for mentors should be
your mentor, satisfaction for your patients and available, with the option of peer mentoring
joy for your family. from other mentors. This will facilitate further
development of skills in this area and allow
Types of Mentorship wider discussion of experiences. The right
people, with the right understanding, right
Five major mentoring models are described in value system and the right attitude should be
the literature (6). chosen as mentors. It should be remembered
that mentoring is a powerful tool and so has
1. Apprenticeship (mentor acts as master) - the potential for harm if not used appropriately
learning occurring by emulation of by sufficiently trained people. People suffering
experienced practitioners and by supervised from ‘I am the best’ syndrome and ‘there are
practice. no complications in my hand’ fantasy are best
2. Competency (mentor acts as supervisor and avoided as mentors!
assessor)- not ideal. Ideally mentors should Absolute confidentiality is paramount in
not have a conflicting power relationship the mentoring relationship, accepting the
20 with the mentee. There should not be the limitations of professional responsibilities. 21
