Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/253399
Y ou have finally arrived. After earning your medical degree and completing your residency and fellowship, you landed a job in a desirable community doing what you love. If you plan to advance your career and successfully juggle your work and personal lives, con- necting with a medical professional who has been in your place is wise. A successful mentor relationship can benefi t physicians early in their careers in myriad ways. Surveys show employees who have had mentors earn roughly $5,000–$20,000 more annually than their mentor-less peers. Too, the National College of Physicians cites enhanced clinical skills and knowledge, greater enjoyment in work, a more clearly defined career path, and networking as added incentives for mentees. But mentees aren't the only ones who gain from such an alliance. The doctors mentor- ing them and the organizations employing them reap advantages as well. For physicians counseling newer medical professionals, the interaction can boost awareness and understanding of new trends in a given fi eld. The relationship also offers mentors a sense of gratifi cation and accomplishment stem- ming from their ability to impart wisdom and skills to the next generation of physicians. When it comes to employers, mentor- ships directly affect the bottom line. Recent data indicate mentoring pro- grams increased employee retention by as much as 20 percent. A whopping 95 percent of employees also indicate they are motivated to do "their very best" when engaged in a mentoring relationship. Find a Mentor The American Journal of Medicine recom- mends mentor-seekers survey mid-level or senior colleagues or peers to identify candidates with similar interests and focus. They should then meet to discuss goals and allow the newer physician to assess compatibility and the potential mentor's ability to commit his or her time and labor to the mentorship. Other characteristics to look for in a mentor include: + Good rapport with other colleagues + Open mindedness + Dependability + Trustworthiness In "How to Get the Most O ut of You r Mentor i ng Relationship," Amy Paller, MD, and Bethanee Schlosser, M D , o f N o r t h w e s t e r n Un iversit y st ress t hat a mentoring relationship is also give and take. While young physicians should seek certain qualities in mentors, they should be prepared to demonstrate some to their mentors, too. These include: + Determination + Ability to receive criticism + Willingness to challenge oneself + Interpersonal maturity "The mentor provides the expertise, guidance, research, environment and commitment that allow the mentee to develop the tools and abilities to succeed in his/her career," writes Carl V. Leier, MD, et al in the American Journal of Medicine. "The trainee must take it from there. ... The trainee provides the commitment, enthusiasm, time, work and 'sweat' needed to bring the ... mentorship training to fruition." ■ P H Y S I C I A N R E C R U I T M E N T A MENTORSHIP WITH AN EXPERIENCED PHYSICIAN CAN HELP EXPEDITE GROW TH AND OPPORTUNIT Y FOR BUDDING DOCTORS. From Advising to CORE 2 | West Virginia MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M