Mentoring needs and family medicine faculty

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professional Development
• Family Medicine Research

Background:

• Mentor relationships are crucial for junior professionals' development.
• Family medicine faces mentor scarcity due to its young age and age distribution.
• Junior faculty need guidance for career advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the needs of junior faculty in family medicine regarding mentorship.
• To suggest strategies for junior faculty to find and benefit from mentors.
• To inform family medicine departments on fostering mentorship.

Main Methods:

• The study identifies key areas where junior faculty require mentor support.
• It emphasizes a proactive approach for junior faculty in seeking mentorship.
• It suggests departmental roles in facilitating mentor connections.

Main Results:

• Junior faculty require support in professional socialization, role modeling, nurturing, teaching, and advocacy.
• A single mentor may not suffice; multiple mentors might be necessary.
• Proactive identification of needs is beneficial for junior faculty.

Conclusions:

• Junior faculty should actively seek mentorship to address specific developmental needs.
• Family medicine departments should implement structures supporting mentorship.
• Further research is needed to optimize mentor relationships in family medicine.