title: Junior faculty experiences with informal mentoring.
abstract: Mentoring is one way in which new faculty can acquire the skills needed for a successful academic career. Little is known about how informal mentoring is operationalized in an academic setting. This study had two main objectives: (1) to determine if junior faculty identify as having an informal mentor(s) and to describe their informal mentoring relationships; and (2) to identify the areas in which these faculty seek career assistance and advice. The study employed a grounded theory approach. Subjects were recruited from the clinical teaching faculty and were 3-7 years into their first faculty position. Theoretical sampling was employed in which data analysis proceeded along-side data collection, and collection ceased when saturation of themes was reached. Saturation was reached at ten subjects. Data were collected by individual interviews. Four topics recurred: qualities sought in mentors, processes by which guidance is obtained, content of the guidance received and barriers. Faculty obtained guidance in two principal ways: (a) through collegial working relationships; and (b) through discussion with senior clinicians as part of the evaluative system in the department. Participants discussed the degree of mentoring they received in the areas of: career focus, orientation to the organization, transition of role from trainee to faculty and work/nonwork balance. Barriers identified included an evaluative role and conflict of interest on the mentor's part. Junior faculty identify some relationships from which they receive guidance; however, limitations in these relationships result in a lack of mentorship on career direction and on balancing career with personal life.
authors.affiliation: Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. karen.leslie@sickkids.ca
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: Lorelei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lingard
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Whyte
mesh_terms: D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008611:Mentors; D009864:Ontario; D010372:Pediatrics; D012577:Schools, Medical