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Volume 27 (2)
Volume 27, Issue 2, Spring 2007
J Contin Educ Health Prof 2007; 27(2):86
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Developing a Mentorship Program for Clinical Researchers
Carol E. Blixen
Klara K. Papp
Alan L. Hull
Richard A Rudick
Katrina A Bramstedt
A b s t r a c t
Introduction: In academic health centers, the number of physician investigators and the number of research studies headed by clinicians has been declining. The U.S. Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health suggest improved mentoring is important to reversing these trends.
Methods: This is a case study review of the role of mentors in developing and sustaining clinical investigators at the Cleveland Clinic.
Results: Issues influencing mentoring relationships at the Cleveland Clinic include whether mentoring contracts are formally or informally related and are agreed on; whether there are scheduled meetings for mentors and protégés; whether there are clearly articulated benchmarks and manageable steps; and whether there is a code of mentorship.
Conclusions: Interactive group formats can lead to development of a code of mentorship and increased awareness of faculty regarding clinical investigation.
Lessons for Practice
- Developing a training program for clinical research mentors should have the support and backing of leadership in the institution.
- An interactive group format in an informal and relaxed milieu can be an effective way of discussing the intricacies of being an effective clinical research mentor.
- The use of case-based vignettes can engender discussion and debate among the participants of a mentor development program.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of such a program must be the next step in the process.
Key Words:clinical research, investigator, mentor, case study, education, medical, continuing, professional
development, faculty development
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