Achor Mike Tochi¹, Briggs Datonye Christopher², Diamond Tamunokuro Ezekiel³* and Anochie Ifeoma⁴

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
²Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
³Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
⁴Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Diamond Tamunokuro Ezekiel, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Received: July 13, 2022; Published: June 30, 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Mentorship is an age-long act in most fields of learning. It plays a pivotal role in medical education. The strength of any mentorship relationship could have a direct bearing on the character traits of the mentor. We aimed to determine factors which influence the choice of mentors among potential mentees in a formal mentorship relationship among medical doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey from randomly selected potential mentees. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed via a monkey survey. The tool had sections which addressed mentees' expectations, perceived factors that influence the choice of mentors and ways to improve the mentors-mentees relationship answerable using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed.

Results: Of the 162 mentees recruited, 95 (58.6%) were females. The predominant age group was 31-40 years (40.1%). Majority, 137 (84.6%), practised in public hospitals, and 102 (63%) were non-specialist doctors. The most common factor that influences the choice of mentors as cited by 156 (96.3%) was “mentors should be able to help mentees advance in their fields and connect them to opportunities they may not have access to”. The two most commonly cited areas of interest for mentorship were leadership in health organizations and research. Over 90% of mentees agreed some roles of effective mentors are discussing possible solutions to difficult issues, identifying opportunities and sharing personal experiences.

Conclusions: Mentorship enables targeted development of mentees. When developing mentoring programs and evaluating mentors, it is important to consider mentees' opinions on the factors that impact their choice of mentors.

Keywords: Mentor; Mentee; Mentorship; Doctors; Nigeria

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Citation

Citation: Diamond Tamunokuro Ezekiel., et al. “Mentees’ Perspectives on the Factors that Influence the Choice of Mentors in the Medical Profession". Acta Scientific Women's Health 5.7 (2023): 28-34.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2022 Diamond Tamunokuro Ezekiel., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.