How I met your mentor: tips to finding sponsorship and mentorship

If someone asked you on day one of medical school, as a fresh-faced first year, to name the essential components of a successful career, what would you have answered? A solid education? Good test scores? Publications? An $800 otoscope? Some are more obvious than others. Who of the enlightened among us would have mentioned a proper work-life balance? How about a strong support system — or the right mentor? Navigating the jungle of career advancement in the medical field can be treacherous without a guide, and, the experts agree, finding mentors can be paramount to your future success. That necessity is heightened for women physicians, who face barriers to promotion. KevinMD is ripe with physician commentary and advice concerning the subject. For example, Dr. Julie Silver at Harvard Medical School discusses the definitions and roles of sponsors versus mentors. Whatever term you use, the goal remains the same: finding someone senior who will provide specific opportunities and use her influence to help open doors. For most overachieving budding physicians, however, the question surrounding mentorship and sponsorship may not be: why, but rather: how. Who do I look for? Where do I look for them? What do I say when I meet them? For some, seeking out the right person might be as difficult and nerve-wracking as navigating the New York City subway system. This blog will summarize some of the best tips for finding a mentor that KevinMD physician-authors have suggested, with a few help...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Education Medical school Source Type: blogs