Outcomes of a pilot faculty mentoring program.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a junior faculty mentoring program is beneficial to participants and to identify particular positive and negative aspects of such a program to enable others to institute similar programs.


METHODS
In 2001 a pilot program was instituted in our obstetrics and gynecology department for interested faculty members. There were 3 focus groups and a written survey that assessed the project. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data analysis; Fisher's exact test was used.


RESULTS
Two recurring themes emerged from the focus group sessions: participants felt better supported by the department and appreciated a greater sense of camaraderie. Most mentees noted the program's success in the following areas of having a role model (83.3%), having increased visibility (82.3%), and having to whom someone to turn (93.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
The faculty mentoring program had significant benefits for everyone who participated.
Tracy
Erin E
EE
Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Founders 406, Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, USA. EETracy@partners.org
Jagsi
Reshma
R
Starr
Rebecca
R
Tarbell
Nancy J
NJ
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires