Improving mentor-mentee relationships in the medical profession: analysis of responses from physicians

Background: Mentorship is the act and process of transmitting appropriate skills, attitude and character from a more knowledgeable and experienced person (mentor) to a less experienced person (Mentee) in a given field of endeavour or profession. Aim: To analyze responses from physicians on ways of improving mentorship in the medical profession. Methods: A prospective analytical study of responses from physicians at various level of training across several fields of the medical profession carried out in June 2021 amongst physicians in Port Harcourt. Data obtained through an electronically generated semi-structured questionnaire on mentorship were analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: One hundred and sixty-two medical doctors participated in the study comprising 67 (41.4%) males and 95 (58.6%) females giving a male to female ratio of 1: 1.4. The predominant age group was 31-40 years (40.1%). Forty-seven (29%) have practiced medicine for between 11-15 years. One hundred and thirty-seven (84.6%) doctors practiced in public hospitals. Majority of the doctors were consultants. Only 42 (25.9%) of the medical trainers and trainees have ever been involved in formal (structured) mentoring. Majority had been involved in informal mentorship. The areas of interest for mentorship identified by the doctors include the practice of medicine/surgery/dentistry, leadership in health organization, research, teaching/medical education, medical business amongst others. Effective mentorship requires that mentors should clarify mentees on what their roles should be (61.7%), discuss possible solutions to difficult issues (49.4%) and help mentees identify their strengths and weaknesses (58.0%). Conclusion: Mentor-mentee relationships can be improved among medical practitioners.