Society of Pediatric Psychology Distinguished Mentorship Award: What My Mentors Taught Me About Mentoring

Abstract

The most rewarding aspect of mentoring is the opportunity to work with exceptional trainees and junior faculty. The objective of this article is to share the lessons I learned from my mentors, how these mentors influenced my development and approach to mentorship, and key aspects of the mentoring relationship. I have valued and tried to emulate mentors who shared their enthusiasm and joy of the work they do, who by example shared not only their successes but resilience in the face of setbacks, and who were generous in sharing credit and promoted the careers and successes of their mentees.