Mentor Guidelines
The following guidelines for mentors have been developed by the Alumni Mentor Committee to help ensure a successful mentoring partnership:
1. Please inform your staff of your student’s name and purpose of visit. Students tell us they have trouble getting through to their mentors.
2. Invite student to observe your practice -- in clinic, patient rounds in hospital and surgery, as appropriate to ensure a positive and supportive professional environment.
3. When convenient, invite student out for a purely social occasion. Help them feel comfortable with you. Provide accessibility and exposure for your mentee within your own professional circle. Illustrate the importance of “networking” in your profession.
4. Recognize and value your mentee as an individual with a private life. Make suggestions as to how to balance professional and private life.
5. Interact often. Encourage independent behavior, but be willing to invest ample time in your mentee.
6. Provide moral support. Encourage and demonstrate confidence in your mentee.
7. Answer questions, especially for those students who do not feel comfortable asking the faculty. Help them solve problems. Be liberal with feedback.
