title: A qualitative investigation of protégé expectations and proposition of an evaluation model for formal mentoring in pharmacy education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Student pharmacist mentoring programs have gained attention from colleges of pharmacy as a way to enhance the student experience. However, no evaluative models have been proposed or theoretical explanations described for use in improving formal mentoring programs in pharmacy or for guiding the construction of a literature base.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to investigate student expectations and preferences for formal mentoring programs and propose a model for evaluating formal mentoring programs in pharmacy education.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five, 60-minute focus groups were conducted in September 2009. Participants were PharmD candidates in their first 3 years of professional education. Discussion was facilitated using a question guide. Following transcription, an initial iteration of the model was used to code the data. A consensus-forming process was used to derive themes and identify representative quotes. Elaboration and specification of the final proposed model is presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all, 28 students participated. Emergent constructs were identified from the data. Structures or inputs of the formal mentoring program included mentor and protégé characteristics and program structure. Mentoring processes included mentor functions, mentoring activities, and relationship development. Outcomes included both proximal outcomes in the form of mentor and protégé change, program satisfaction, and organizational learning; and distal outcomes comprised mentor, protégé, and organizational outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This formal mentoring evaluation model was useful in guiding analysis of protégé experiences and preferences for a college-sponsored program. The model can be used to guide college administrators and researchers on future theory-based inquiry into protégé; mentor; and organizational structures, processes, and outcomes for formal mentoring programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy, 115 S. Grand Avenue, S532 PHAR, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Electronic address: matthew.witry@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Witry
authors.forename: Brandon J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Bernard A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Sorofman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D015279:Organizational Culture; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Mentor; Model; Professional development