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Striving for Meaning and Purpose in Mentoring
Kimberly Hamilton1, Renee Reynolds2, Susan Durham3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Background:
Mentorship plays an important role in the career development of a surgeon, shaping technical skills, professional identity and career paths. The needs and roles of both the mentee and the mentor change over the course of a professional career but the most successful form of mentorship includes a receptive mentee and a mentor who is engaged and dedicated to the process.
Summary:
We present a reflective commentary by three pediatric neurosurgeons at early, mid, and late career phases on the evolution of finding meaning and purpose in mentoring throughout a pediatric neurosurgical career.
Key Message:
Mentorship is dynamic and bidirectional throughout one's career. It maximizes professional growth for both the mentor and mentee and ultimately enriches the specialty.
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