Mentees’ Perspectives on the Factors that influence the Choice of Mentors in the Medical Profession

Abstract

Background: Mentorship is an age-long act in most fields of learning. It plays a pivotal role in medical education. The strength of any  mentorship relationship could have a direct bearing on the character traits of the mentor. We aimed to determine factors that influence  the choice of mentors by potential mentees in a formal mentorship relationship among medical doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that recruited potential mentees by convenience sampling. A semi-structured  questionnaire was distributed via a monkey survey. The tool had sections that addressed mentees' expectations, perceived  factors that influence the choice of mentors, and ways to improve the mentors-mentee relationship, using a 5-point Likert scale. Data  were analyzed.

Results: Of the 162 mentees recruited, 95 (58.6%) were females. The predominant age group was 31-40 years (40.1%). The majority, 137  (84.6%), practiced in public hospitals, and 102 (63%) were non-specialist doctors. The most common factor that influenced the choice of  mentors as indicated by 156 (96.3%) participants was the ability of the mentors to help the mentees advance in their fields and connect  them to opportunities. The two most cited areas of interest for mentorship were leadership in health organizations and research. Over  90% of mentees agreed that the roles of effective mentors are discussing possible solutions to difficult issues, identifying opportunities,  and sharing personal experiences.

Conclusion: Mentorship enables the targeted development of mentees. When developing mentoring programs and evaluating mentors, it is important to consider mentees' opinions on the factors that impact their choice of mentors.