Medical students’ perceptions of mentoring: a focus-group analysis

Abstract

Characteristics of medical students’ mentoring relationships and factors that affect mentoring during medical school are poorly understood. The authors conducted four focus groups with fourth-year medical students to explore what students sought from mentors, perceived barriers to mentoring and suggestions for improvement. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Students with and without mentors described a mentoring relationship as a personal connection with a faculty member invested in helping the student achieve a personal and professional vision. The short duration of courses, abrupt change from classroom learning to clerkships and limited exposure to clinicians were perceived as barriers to mentoring. Students recommended that the school explicitly promote mentoring with early education about finding mentors, placing the responsibility on students while also expanding the pool of potential mentors. It is concluded that medical students characterize mentoring in terms of the interpersonal dynamics of the relationship, emphasizing personal connection and advocacy. Educating and empowering students along with faculty education regarding students’ needs may improve mentoring.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karen E. Hauer

KAREN E. HAUER, MD, is an internist and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. She directs the UCSF Internal Medicine Clerkships and in 2003 received the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine Outstanding Educational Research Award. Her research interests include clinical skills assessment, inpatient education and curriculum development.

Arianne Teherani

ARIANNE TEHERANI, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Office of Educational Research and Development at the University of California, San Francisco. Her areas of expertise are in research methodology and medical education. Her research has focused on teaching and learning in the clinical setting, professionalism, self-assessment and self-efficacy.

Amy Dechet

AMY M. DECHET, MD, received her training in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Her interests include teaching, public health and healthcare delivery to underserved populations, in the United States and internationally.

Eva M. Aagaard

EVA M. AAGAARD, MD, is an internist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. She is Director of the Intersession Course and serves as a preceptor in the medical student longitudinal clerkship experience. Her research interests include teaching and mentoring in the outpatient setting, curriculum development and patient education.