The Comprehensive Development of a Faculty Mentorship Program at a Canadian Medical & Dental School: Policy, Program, and Five Years of Assessment

Abstract

Background: We believe that mentorship is important to guide faculty career success. Objective: In June 2010, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry approved a formal Mentorship Program for all full time faculties. Simultaneously, an annual assessment of the mentorship program for a five year period ending in 2016 was initiated. Methods: Surveys were disseminated electronically and consisted of both qualitative and quantitative questions, from the perspectives of both the mentee and mentor. Results: At our institution, most mentees were in the first five years of their faculty appointment, while most mentors were in the sixteen to thirty year range of their first appointment. In assessing knowledge about the document which described the Schulich Mentorship program, more than half of the mentors and mentees either had read the document, or if they had not read it, they had knowledge about the document from elsewhere, with the percent with knowledge increasing yearly over the five years. Both mentors and mentees had positive comments about the Program, particularly its nonjudgmental nature, openness, and benefits for professional and personal development. Conclusions: We conclude that the institution of a formal mentorship program for all faculties, coupled with regular review is important for faculty success, academic wellness and academic sustainability in a medical & dental school.