Perceptions vs Practices in Biomedical Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentorship
Working abstract of the upcoming research manuscript:
Effective mentoring is a key element in research training which translates into career and professional success. Faculty entering the workforce receive little to no training in good mentorship practices. Moreover, there is limited knowledge from both mentor and mentee on expectations and professional best practices in this impactful relationship. At the University of Michigan Medical School, we used a mixed-methods approach to explore the expected role(s) of a mentor relative to lived experiences on both sides of the mentor:mentee relationship. We will share data on how experiences and expectations vary by responder group (faculty, postdoc, PhD student) and identity (race, gender, etc.). These data complemented with information around barriers and opportunities for effective mentorship, reveal a snapshot of the current mentoring landscape that will inform areas of institutional investment in strengthening these relationships, evaluating outcomes, and providing aligned resources.
Effective mentoring is a key element in research training which translates into career and professional success. Faculty entering the workforce receive little to no training in good mentorship practices. Moreover, there is limited knowledge from both mentor and mentee on expectations and professional best practices in this impactful relationship. At the University of Michigan Medical School, we used a mixed-methods approach to explore the expected role(s) of a mentor relative to lived experiences on both sides of the mentor:mentee relationship. We will share data on how experiences and expectations vary by responder group (faculty, postdoc, PhD student) and identity (race, gender, etc.). These data complemented with information around barriers and opportunities for effective mentorship, reveal a snapshot of the current mentoring landscape that will inform areas of institutional investment in strengthening these relationships, evaluating outcomes, and providing aligned resources.