Researchers suggest approaches for mentors to help mentees during hard times

A study of 15 physician mentors focused on how mentors can help their research mentees during challenging times. The study found three main areas: 1) tactical strategies mentors used during challenging times (such as helping mentees identify diverse funding sources, encouraging consideration of alternative career options or areas of research focus); 2) psychological strategies used during challenging times (such as providing emotional support, coaching mentees' mindsets); and 3) overall mentoring philosophies and strategies for effective mentoring (such as providing support and honest feedback, and networking on behalf of the mentee). These approaches may transcend a specific crisis and be widely applicable during future challenging times in academic medicine, according to the study, “Research mentoring during times of crisis,” published last week in JAMA Network Open.