Like Rovi, I’ve been in the UPCM mentoring program for 8 years now, handling my second batch of student mentees. Also recently, I was assigned to be a mentor to an ophtha resident who is graduating this year. In DLSU, I have mentored about 5 students. In all of these programs what I find really difficult to find is time. And I think it is the most precious thing that you can give to your mentees.
I mean, I believe that I’m a good listener, I can give good advice, I am not judgmental, can keep secrets, pays attention during our limited session times, i don’t rush things. But if I don’t have enough time to spend with them, then I don’t get to build much rapport. No deep trust develops.
In other words, i feel that my mentoring is just superficial. It’s just there to make sure that the students get through medical school or residency, finish it and that’s it.
So I guess until such time that we are able to give our mentees enough attention by giving them time, then the whole exercise is not maximized, if not a failure altogether.
