The Art of Mentorship and Being Mentored

Mentors can be crucial to the professional development of early-career clinical and translational researchers as they strive to develop expertise in a broad spectrum of areas -- academic, professional and personal. In this video, an SC CTSI lecturer explains how the mentor-mentee relationship can be managed to achieve the greatest personal and professional reward for both parties. The lecturer outlines the purpose of mentoring - beyond academic and scientific progress - such as the development of confidence, leadership and professional satisfaction. He discusses the responsibilities of both mentor and mentee, stressing the need for clear communication and mutual understanding of the expectations and needs each bring to the relationship. Common problems and complaints expressed by mentors and mentees are explored, as are characteristics of great mentors and mentees, in an effort to demonstrate how young researchers can optimize a uniquely valuable professional relationship that can span entire careers.

• Defining Mentorship: Its Purposes and Benefits
• Mentorship's Three Domains: Mentor, Mentee and Environment
• Benefits and Elements of Successful Mentorship
• Characteristics of a Great Mentor
• Characteristics of a Great Mentee
• Challenges in Mentorship
• Strategies for Ensuring Successful Mentorship

1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Compact with Postdoctoral Appointees and their Mentors
2. Annual Individual Development Plan (IDP) For Life Science Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Trainees (modified from UC San Francisco)

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