Table 3.

Pearls of mentorship

Advice for maximizing the potential of the mentor–mentee relationship

• Choose someone you feel comfortable with who has shared values and experiences • Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with set goals and clear expectations • Be actively present, available, and committed • Respect each other's time • Listen to each other and communicate effectively • Be proactive and seek help when needed • Encourage honest feedback and incorporate constructive advice when given • Connect the mentee with other great potential mentors in the field • Make time for personal and mental health check-ins • Be realistic about the challenging aspects of patient care, research, politics, work–life balance, and the business side of medicine • Advocate for the mentee and give credit when it is due • Inspire the mentee through your actions and professional conduct • Educate whenever possible because knowledge is meant to be shared and not hoarded • Give mentees autonomy and provide the confidence and encouragement they need to succeed