Mentorship has been identified as a key component in the development and retention of faculty in academics. However, a simple dyadic model is not a solution for all investigators, especially clinical and translational researchers. Our program has developed a Matrix Mentoring Model that includes five levels of mentorship, including a senior mentor. As part of the program, scholars are paired with a VPCAT Senior Mentor to support them in achieving their career and research goals.
VPCAT senior mentors are:
- Seasoned, grant-funded investigators
- Experienced in grant review process
- Familiar with institutional resources
- Understand the retention, promotion, and tenure process
- Have substantial experience/training in mentoring
- Typically not in same department/discipline as scholar
- Recommended by chairs/deans
VPCAT senior mentors are responsible for:
- Ensuring accountability of all parties in the Matrix Mentoring Model in working towards the scholar’s goals
- Can intervene and mediate if conflicts arise (with division chiefs, scientific mentors, etc.)
- Making the mentee/mentor relationship a priority
- Preparing and submitting Mid- and Final Program Reports describing a scholar’s progress, achievements, and areas where support may be needed
- Meeting regularly with a scholar over the 2-year period
- At a minimum, meets 3 times during the 2-year period, which includes the VPCAT Initial Team Meeting and the Mid- and Final Mentor/Mentee Review Meetings; however,
- Mentors strongly encourage scholars to meet more than the minimum
- Mentors advise scholars to schedule regular monthly or quarterly meetings
- Assists in setting/adjusting goals - initially and continually - as aligned with a scholar’s VPCAT Scholar Career Development Plan (VS-CDP)
- Reviews scholar’s progress
- Evaluates alignment of time allocation relative to a scholar’s priorities
- Assists in identifying scientific mentors, if needed
- Assists in expanding scholars’ networks (i.e., research, academic)
- Facilitates utilization of institutional resources (including VPCATs resources)
- Is available and accessible
- At a minimum, meets 3 times during the 2-year period, which includes the VPCAT Initial Team Meeting and the Mid- and Final Mentor/Mentee Review Meetings; however,
- Reading and editing scholars’ research proposals
- Helps with interactions between scholars and funding agencies
- Providing advice/guidance concerning promotion, retention, and tenure
- Listening and providing support
- Celebrating scholars and their achievements
- Serving as a scholar’s advocate
The benefits of being a VPCAT senior mentor are:
- Sense of giving back – “paying it forward”
- Professional stimulation
- Personal enrichment
- Professional advancement
- Leaving a legacy
