Mentorship for the physician recruited from abroad to Canada for rural practice

Abstract

Background: Mentoring is one way to help physicians new to a country assimilate. Aim: This study examined the feasibility and focus of a mentoring program from the perspective of medical leaders (leaders) and physicians new to Canada ( physicians). Methods: Focus groups with 23 physicians were held in six regional centers. Face-to-face interviews were held with 10 leaders. They were asked to discuss how a mentoring program might be helpful and how a program might be designed and evaluated. Results: Both leaders and physicians recognized that mentorship would support the physician socially, professionally, and emotionally. They told us that mentorship programs should be structured carefully to build trust, allow mentors and mentees some selection, be in geographic proximity where possible, and have transparent rules. While leaders felt that evaluation would be an important part of a mentorship program, the physicians disagreed noting that it would change the nature of the program. Leaders stated that the ultimate evaluation of the program's success would be found in retention numbers. Conclusion: Physicians new to a country need support. Mentorship is a feasible approach to support new comers that may result in more efficient and effective integration, enculturation, and higher levels of retention.

Utenlandske leger i norsk psykiatri – behov for en mentorordning?

“…International studies that have investigated the organisation of mentoring schemes for foreign doctors recommend preparation of a detailed description of the mentor's role and tasks, as well as thorough training of those who assume this role (9). Similar recommendations were made by the informants in our study, and the findings therefore concur well with those made by other studies.…”

“…This accords with recommendations made in some international studies (9). The problem inherent in such a voluntary scheme is that it may fail to capture all those who have a need for it.…”

“…Key topics covered by this guidance include communication problems, views on the doctor's role, relations with colleagues and culturally-based differences in value systems. Help in lear-ORIGINAL ARTICLE ning work procedures and routines, as well as support for social integration are also key elements (9,10,13,14).…”

Exploring the relationship between mentoring and doctors’ health and wellbeing: a narrative review

“…7 Papers described engagement in mentoring as leading to accomplishment in the form of personal development. Of the small number of studies describing specific aspects of personal development, mentoring was reported as leading to improved confidence, 22,23,25 increased energy levels 23 and better stress management, 22,25 as well as helping mentees grow socially, 26 emotionally, 26,27 and intellectually. 27 One study proposed three broad areas of benefit, and underlying processes that overlapped in mentoring;…”

“…21,22,27,30,31 Mentoring schemes also supported career progression and professional development of mentees, in the identification and discussion of career decisions, 22,25,30,31 the identification and completion of career goals 22,25 and through transference of expert knowledge from mentor to mentee. 26,27,29 Better work-life balance was described as a useful outcome for mentees 17,22,24,28 with mentoring identified as helping mentees manage workload, including work-life balance. 25, 32 Banini 32 asserted that mentors have a responsibility to 'take an active role in mentoring the younger generation' in helping mentees achieve work-life balance.…”