How to be a good mentor / mentee?

The medical profession is longitudinal, evidence-driven, and deeply sculped by experience. Our future rests in the hands of the next generation — and good mentorship is what bridges today’s knowledge with tomorrow’s leadership.

We all start as mentees, and over time, naturally grow into the role of mentor. Like any meaningful interpersonal relationship, the mentor–mentee bond thrives when it is rooted in mutual respect, purpose, and growth.

Here are a few reflections on cultivating healthy, effective mentorship:

🧭  Mentorship Is Multifaceted

A mentee may (and should) have multiple mentors across different dimensions of career and life — whether in research, clinical practice, leadership, or networking. These mentors may shift as your career evolves. Stay curious, stay connected, and stay open to becoming part of supportive communities.

🔄 Mentorship Is Mutual

Just like any human relationship, mentorship requires mutual understanding, communication, and boundaries.

• Ask questions without fear — but with awareness of the mentor’s time and capacity.

• Set shared expectations.

• Honor your mentor’s style and strengths while learning to communicate your own needs with clarity and grace.

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🌱 Mentorship Is Evolving

The world changes fast. It’s entirely possible for mentees to hold deeper knowledge in emerging fields — AI, tech, public health, or even systems navigations. At times, mentors may also realize that their past experiences don’t fully translate to today’s challenges. That’s okay. Use discernment, offer perspective, and walk alongside one another. Mutual growth is the hallmark of a strong mentorship.

🌟 Mitbbs-Med Mentorship Program

Each year, Mitbbs-Med, in collaboration with ANACP, hosts a 1-year mentorship program connecting PGY2/3 residents with new residency applicants. If you’re joining, or simply seeking to build better mentorship relationships, it’s helpful to reflect on what makes a great mentor — and mentee.

Below are some insightful readings we highly recommend:

🔹 For Mentors:

• Nature’s Guide for Mentors

• National Academy of Sciences Mentoring Guide (PDF)

  
  

🔹 For Mentees:

• What Mentors Wish Their Mentees Knew – HBR

• Building and Sustaining Mentor Interactions as a Mentee – PMC

  
  

🔹 Mentor–Mentee Relationships:

• Ten Tips for a Successful Mentor/Mentee Relationship – AAIM

• Mentorship Malpractice – JAMA ("Don'ts")

💬 Final Thoughts

Don’t worry if these ideas feel abstract or even intimidating. Every seasoned mentor was once a lost, uncertain trainee. Growth comes with time, mistakes, humility — and practice. Be patient with yourself. Practice showing up. Learn from those ahead of you, and guide those behind you.

You are capable of becoming a strong, thoughtful, and compassionate mentor or mentee.

Wishing you a fulfilling journey in both roles — in medicine, and in life.