Structuring the Mentoring Relationship:
Readings and articles

Collins E. 360 degree mentoring. Harvard Management Update. 2008; Reprint No. U0803B.

This brief article suggests developing a network of mentors and seeking mentorship from peers and subordinates, as well as from those higher on the organizational chart, who might have specific areas of expertise that can help you succeed. The author suggests that mentoring relationships can be reciprocal and that mentee‐mentor pairs should define specific goals and expectations for their relationship and periodically discuss whether these are being met.

Straus SE, Chatur F, Taylor M. Issues in the mentor‐mentee relationship in academic medicine: A qualitative study. Academic Medicine. 2009; 84:135‐139.

A report of a semi‐structured interview study of 21 Canadian junior faculty physician scientists, all government‐funded to spend 75% time on clinical or population science research, and a sample of 7 of their research mentors. The paper describes the experience of mentorship, the differences between being assigned a mentor versus selfidentifying a mentor, the many roles of a mentor, characteristics of good mentoring, barriers to mentorship, and possible mentorship strategies. It concludes by suggesting the development of a mentorship training initiative for mentors and mentees.
(17 references)

Carol Nadelson, MD, – Presentation: Choosing A Mentor

A 2009 slide deck of Dr. Nadelson’s talk about the different roles of mentors and the need for multiple mentors, the necessity of a mentee’s self‐definition in choosing appropriate mentors, the mentor’s and the mentee’s responsibilities in the mentoring relationship, and what to do if this relationship doesn’t appear to be working.
(4 partial references)