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 Out of Your Mentoring Relationship,"
Amy Paller, MD, and Bethanee Schlosser, MD, of Northwestern
University stress that 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
+ 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." I
THE TERM "MENTOR" dates back to ancient Greece with the
penning of The Odyssey, one of Homer's two epics. Following
the end of the Trojan War and Odysseus' presumed death, his
son Telemachus embarks on a journey to learn the fate of his
father. The goddess Athena takes on the form of Odysseus'
trusted friend Mentor along the way, offering guidance and
wisdom to Telemachus. This has led to the modern deļ¬nition
+ Ability to receive criticism
of "mentor" as "wise adviser."
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