Table 2.

CoP features identified in the PMI

Theme: PMI as a Community of Practice (CoP)
CoP Features	Quotes
Subtheme 1. A Sense of Community A sense of community was created by a shared sense of identity, values, culture, and approach. Common values instilled amongst peer-mentors include kindness, patience, responsibility, empathy, sensitivity, humility, service orientation, reducing hierarchy, teamwork, honesty, commitment, approachability, integrity, respect, effective and open communications and ‘paying it forward’. This shared culture also extended beyond that seen within the medical schools and local hospital practice
Shared Identity	“This idea of being generous or paying it forward or giving back to people got reinforced during my process as a near-peer” (P4)
Shared Approach	“Like in a music ensemble…each of them have their own scores, each of them go home and rehearse their own parts. And when it comes together, it creates beautiful music.” (P1)
Shared Values	“I stayed up on call to review the paper and put in my comments here and there even though there was no way I was getting into the publication. But there are certain things you do without expectations… Do good without expecting anything in return.” (P1)
Shared Culture	“It's a nice principle that [the mentor] goes by and I think definitely would like to apply that in both this PMI and also in areas beyond research. (P7)
	“It's kind of weird that I've not really heard about this culture outside of the program, mainly learned about it from the program.” (P6)
Variety of Goals	Peer mentors joined the PMI for a variety of reasons. These included the desire to ‘pay it forward’(P1) and to improve teaching (PD P1, P3, P4, P5, P9), writing (PD5), leadership and time management skills. (P9, P12)
Welcoming Environment	“Thankful to be in this programme where I am given good opportunities not just to grow but also to guide others and learn together” (PD8)
	“My mentors show amazing sense of patience and are really caring about what others are going through.” (P10)
	“Whenever he meets us he would ask us how are we? What are we doing right now? I think that's nice of him to show interest to all of us as people.” (P11)
Subtheme 2. Structured Approach Whilst often considered part of the mentoring environment, a pivotal aspect of the PMI experience is its structured approach. This included a structured yet personalized recruitment process that considered the peer-mentor’s narrative and goals, the establishment of clear goals and expectations, and the commencement of a guided mentoring process that was personalized and flexible to meet changing conditions and the different stages of the mentoring process
Personalized Recruitment	“The first meeting was to talk about how things were looking, what was the context of the work, and what are the next steps, and if I was open to suggestions [on research, projects, working styles and feedback in general]” (P9)
Personalized Goals	“Goal settings is one of the things that we started off with… in terms of what I plan to take out of research, and the PMI.” (P5)
	“Understanding the motivations behind joining PMI, and the research project…allows tailor[ing]…expectations and goals accordingly.” (P1)
Clear Expectations	“In the PMI.. everything was very clear at the start, what the role is and how much work you have to put in.” (P11)
Guided and Staged Process	“We are allocated roles from the start, and moving on gradually from mentee stage to a mentor stage…from how you code, its effects to how you write your own paper.” (P8)
	“There is a step-by-step guide to starting the paper, the search strategy, how to convert the search strategy to other databases, then the TIAB sieve and introduction to Endnote…all laid out there.” (P10)
	“There is someone to guide me through each stage of the research project.” (P11)
Flexible and Adaptive	“If it gets stressful because of our commitment, studies and stuff, he's very flexible and always tells us that studies comes fast and to tell him a deadline that we're good with.” (P12)
Subtheme 3. Support Mechanism There were a number of support mechanisms employed. The nature of the feedback in the PMI also influenced the relationships, program, and success. They were deemed constructive, timely, personalized and often encouraging
Role Modelling	“[The mentor] showed…how a doctor should be in society…and that influences my thinking of how a well-rounded doctor should be in society.” (P7)
	“[Facing study and work problems]…I reached out to him and he was really nice about it. And very understanding. He was really the embodiment of like the spirit of the PMI…I guess I just want to be like him also.” (P5)
Holistic and Accessible Support	“If you ask her questions, she will reply very, very quickly, and she would be very detailed in her response as well. So, I think that really helps to make things clear.” (P9)
	“They are approachable, so I feel braver to ask questions about the project and advice on life.” (PD6)
	“My mentor has been very supportive of the struggles I am experiencing in personal life, but also has been very patient with my inexperience and blunders made along the way.” (PD7)
Career Support	“We speak about other stuff [too]…such as school, like help with content in medical school, career guidance, advice, as well as personal life.” (P1)
Feedback	“When I made that really big mistake. I felt really, really bad.. But my Senior Mentor was very understanding.. it made me want to be the same in the future.” (P4)
	“My senior mentor usually reverts to me with comments or proposed changes within a day for the drafts I submit. I think it shows his dedication to his work.” (PD1)
	“Think along the way, when peers and seniors mentors give very constructive feedbacks and encouraging remarks for the work and the improvement, then I think that sort of builds confidence.” (P3)
Subtheme 4. Personal and Professional Development Peer-mentors were challenged to take on more responsibilities and roles as they gained confidence, knowledge, skills, and experience. Reflecting on their PMI experiences, peer-mentors reported changes in their personal values and choices, practice styles, career choices, and perspectives towards self-care
Challenge and Growth	“So, I went through the same process for a couple of papers…then along the way…my Senior Mentor and the peer-mentors said “you should try guide new students into how to ease into this stages of this process of writing a paper.” (P3)
	“My confidence built after completing one project as a mentee and as a team player. Subsequently then I was first author and had mentees under me for the project with the Senior mentor.” (P9)
	“It's made me less materialistic and [focus] more on fields of work where I can provide a listening ear to people, and generally provide more holistic care because that's what my mentor did for me.” (P1)
	“I learned that things that will give me more fulfilment in a job would go beyond the superficial enjoyment, but also include fields of work where I will be able to listen to people more and understand people more. Like for example, in family medicine, we provide holistic care.” (P2)
Self-Care	“I feel a deeper obligation to mentor and raise juniors to become thoughtful and mentally healthy doctors through PIF.” (PD3)