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Use of mentor programs in dietetic education
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1030.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Many dietetic education programs lack formal mentor programs, despite their benefits for new professionals. Limited time and curriculum changes are key barriers, highlighting a need for more resources and research on program effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dietetic Education
- Professional Development
- Career Guidance
Background:
- Mentor programs offer valuable career guidance and role models for individuals entering their first professional positions.
- The integration of mentorship within dietetic education programs is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and adoption of mentor programs in dietetic education programs.
- To identify barriers and needs related to implementing mentor programs in dietetics.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 667 program directors listed in The American Dietetic Association (ADA) Directory of Dietetic Programs (1990-1991).
- Response rate was 49% (329 directors).
Main Results:
- Approximately half (47%) of responding programs had never considered a mentor program.
- Despite this, programs across all six dietetic education options reported having a mentor program.
- Key obstacles identified by directors included limited time and curricular demands.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant gap in the implementation of mentor programs within dietetic education.
- Program directors require more information and practical models for establishing mentorship.
- Further research is needed on the impact of mentorship on dietitian retention.