The initial advising relationship is designed to identify a mentor based on the faculty member’s objectives and interests. The primary mentor will likely be someone who has expertise or interests relevant to the faculty member’s interests and career direction.
However, equally important is the commonality of values. In general, faculty who select their own mentors rate the relationship more highly than faculty who are assigned mentors. As a result, the program offers participants the choice to utilize Mentor Match: a web-based software program to facilitate the search, choice, tracking, and evaluation process.
Please be advised that it is often desirable that Section Chiefs do not serve as mentors for faculty in their own section. If the Section Chief is also the primary mentor, the mentoring team should have at least on senior member from outside the Division. Furthermore, faculty members are encouraged to expand networks outside the department and identify additional mentors for other aspects of their career advancement.
Mentoring for Junior Faculty
The model for mentoring in the Department of Medicine consists of formalized one-on-one mentoring in which a junior faculty member is paired with a senior faculty member. An initial administrative assignment is made by the Section Chief, typically within the division. Within the first three months junior faculty are strongly encouraged to take advantage of our program by seeking a mentor through Mentor Match Software. Mentor Match allows mentees to reach beyond their division and connect with dynamic faculty across campus.
Mentoring for Senior Faculty
The model for mentoring in the Department of Medicine consists of one-on-one mentoring in which a senior faculty member can be paired with another senior faculty member for enrichment and collaboration. Senior faculty members are strongly encouraged to use Mentor Match Software to maximize search capabilities.
Getting Connected: Mentor Match Software
How does using the software optimize my experience?
Upon providing basic information about interests and needs, the mentee can begin accessing the software. Mentor Match allows mentees to view the following information:
- Photo of potential mentor
- Home Division, Department, and College
- Personality Characteristics
- Academic interests
- Personal interests and hobbies
- Certifications
- Basic Demographic Information
- General Availability
Connecting with a Mentor
Once login information has been received from the coordinator, the mentee can begin the search, and initiate connections with potential mentors.
What happens after I have successfully connected with a mentor?
The mentee is expected to schedule the first meeting and use the provided “First Session Guide: Steps towards Success” to complete the agreement, and set goals and expectations with the mentor. The mentee must enter agreement specifics on their Mentor Match account to track progress and engage in possible team mentoring if so desired. Although a moderate dedication of time will be necessary at the onset, the investment will be worth the while. The Education Office will also be available to assist with information entry and general troubleshooting inquiries.
What is the length of this commitment?
As an individual’s needs change over time, it is understandable that appropriate pairs will change over the course of one’s career. As an initial benchmark, the program recommends participants engage in a one to three year commitment. Ultimately, this component will be decided between the mentee and mentor and can be modified at any time.
Do I have the chance to evaluate my experience and program?
Each year participants will have the chance to anonymously evaluate their experience and the program in general. Evaluations will be reviewed by the mentoring committee to inform their decisions on programmatic logistics. Your input is highly valued and encouraged.
Whom should I contact?
Contact the Department of Medicine Education Office for more information, formal enrollment, and assistance with connection and/or software.
Susan Ellis, EdS, (520) 626-0773 or sellis@deptofmed.arizona.edu