What is a Mentor?

A mentor is someone who takes a special interest in helping another person develop into a successful professional. In general, an effective mentoring relationship is characterized by mutual respect, trust, understanding, and empathy. Good mentors are able to share life experiences and wisdom, as well as technical expertise. They are good listeners, good observers, and good problem-solvers. They try to know, accept, and respect the goals and interests of their mentee. In the end, they establish an environment in which the mentee’s accomplishment is limited only by the extent of their talent. AIMVT mentors shall be members of AIMVT in good standing and hold a VTS in internal medicine. Charter members may be utilized as mentors if no other mentors in the specialty are available. Mentors cannot receive financial compensation for their time.​

Are there established mentoring styles?  Which style is best?

There is no single formula for good mentoring; mentoring styles and activities are as varied as human relationships. Different mentees will require different amounts and kinds of attention, advice, information, and encouragement. Some mentees will feel comfortable approaching their mentors; others will be shy, intimidated, or reluctant to seek help. While the mentoring relationship must be driven by the mentee, a good mentor is approachable and available. Often mentees will not know what questions to ask, what information they need, or what their options are. A good mentor can lessen such confusion by getting to know their mentee and being familiar with the kinds of suggestions and information that can be useful. Asking direct questions can help in this process. Ask “How is your first Case Report coming along?”  rather than “How is your application coming along?”​

I'm a member of AIMVT and would like to be a mentor - how much time is involved?

Effective mentoring need not always require large amounts of time. An experienced, perceptive mentor can provide great help in just a few minutes by making the right suggestion or asking the right question. The nature of a mentoring relationship varies with the level and activities of both mentee and mentor. In general, however, each relationship must be based on a common goal: to advance the educational and personal growth of the mentee. You, as mentor, can also benefit enormously. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction to be had by helping someone else succeed.  The mentee’s success will be much more satisfying when they realize that THEY did the work. A mentor’s job is to show them HOW to do the work, not to do it for them!​

How do I request an AIMVT mentor?

If you are currently collecting cases for your application, the Academy can assign you an AIMVT mentor.  Please note that the number of mentors are limited, and a mentor pairing is not guaranteed.  AIMVT prioritizes assigning mentors to those re-applying to the Academy.  To expand the availability of mentors, you may be asked to work with a mentor that is a member of AIMVT who is not in your specific specialty and who can assist you with the application process.

Please contact the Mentor Committee at [email protected] and they will work to pair you with a mentor.  

Maximizing Your Relationship

Check out our webinar on how to get the most out of your mentoring relationship