Mentor and Mentee Skills: Tools from Residency to Practice and Beyond

Abstract

Program Description: The ability to mentor and be mentored is important to the individual and collective success of our specialty. Successful organizations have long benefited from the voluntary contributions of individuals stimulated by a mentoring relationship. On a professional level, mentoring is critical to recruit, retain, and promote a diverse and dynamic otolaryngology work force in a time of changing needs. While the apprentice model of mentoring is familiar, understanding the various options available to aid career transitions and professional development is increasingly important. The panel will explore several aspects attributable to the changing environment of the mentor relationship and provide tools for addressing these needs. Generational differences will be discussed as they relate to changing priorities of the younger mentee and transformation of the traditional mentor role. A successful residency-mentoring program will be presented and this model adapted to various practice applications. The concept of mentorship will be explored from the perspective of the mentor and mentee and topics of physician practice, academy involvement, and work-life balance will be covered. The panel, providing tools for those seeking mentoring, will discuss the needs, expectations, and responsibilities of the mentee. Resources available within medicine, the AAO-HNS, and the business world will be provided for use.

Educational Objectives: 1) Understand the changing mentor/mentee relationship and have the tools to apply to those situations. 2) Improve the mentoring process by incorporating systematic methods reviewed and learn about resources available. 3) Identify individual mentor and mentee needs by encouraging an active role.