Mentoring for Medical Undergraduates - Feedback from Mentees (Need For Training of Mentors)

Abstract

Objective: The need for mentoring of undergraduate medical students has been well perceived and several medical institutions have started the practice of setting up mentoring programs. Program evaluation is essential in establishing an effective mentoring program. With students being the core of the program, their expectations from the program needs due consideration to analyze the outcome efficacy of the program. This study was done as part of program evaluation to analyze the opinion of mentees on impact of mentoring and on mentee-mentor relationship. The aim was to use the input of this feedback to improve the conduction of the program for the next batch of students. Results: 85% of mentees agreed upon the need for mentoring for all students. Majority felt that mentoring had only helped in academics and not in improving behavior. More than 50% agreed that mentors should be involved in personal aspects besides academics. Responses to open ended questions has well expressed their expectations from mentors and perceived lacunae . There was a clear perception on the need for quality in mentoring. Their responses has also given us a list of causes for discordant mentor-mentee relationship, majority of which can be rectified by training mentors. Conclusion:Feedback from students after implementing a mentoring program can be considered very essential for effective mentoring. The feedback has exposed the need to have good mentors who can build a satisfying trustworthy mentoring relationship. Training for mentors can be an effective solution and should be a part of the mentoring program early during the planning phase.

Perceptions on Mentoring Concept and Mentoring Practices among Medical Mentors: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…Most of the mentors had developed friendly relationship with their mentees. This is crucial in order to create a relaxing ambience for effective communication and better understanding [16]. Professional development was the topic brought out by most of the mentors instead of other personal interests like hobbies.…”

Mentoring Undergraduate Students: Perception of Medical and Dental Faculties on Undergraduate Mentoring Program

“…Good mentors have the ability to engage with a student on a personal and emotional level. They are able to tolerate expressions of emotion in their mentees who [17].…”