Tips on Mentoring and Career Development
Based on a panel discussion at the APA 2001 meeting, with Anu Matorin, MD; Cynthia Santos, MD; Donna Mancuso, MD; Sandra Sexson, MD and Pedro Ruiz, MD
There have been significant gains in the number of women in psychiatry in the last 30 years. In the 70's, less than 10% of graduates were women, now the number is approaching 50%. Across specialties, 1 in 5 doctors are now women, by 2010 it will be 1 in 3. However, there are still few women in the "top rungs" of the profession. Barriers include: lack of mentors and role models, professional practices and stereotypes, family needs/balance issues
In order to excel and progress in your profession, you must do more than simply quietly and competently perform your job
Getting a mentor is crucial for career development. Mentors help you to:
- develop a professional identity
- critically identify your strengths/weaknesses
- understand "rules for the club"
- meet the right people.
It is crucial to learn to say yes to things that count, AND say NO to things that do not help (fully understanding the "publish or perish" situation in academia, etc.)
After 11 years on faculty, 23% of men are full professors, compared with 5% of women. It is true that women work 10% fewer hours, and publish less; however, even after adjusting for this, women are less likely to be promoted than their male counterparts. 30-50% of medical students say they have experienced sexual harassment, and just under 50% of women doctors reported gender-based harassment
Realize that there is a double standard—"leadership" qualities in men are often seen as negative in women. You may want to adjust your personal style so that you can "lead" without "threatening"
Learn to express authority effectively and without feeling guilty. This is particularly important when it comes to disciplinary issues, firing, etc.
Actively seek out and choose leadership positions. Men often lobby to get key assignments, while women often wait to be appointed
Develop excellent negotiating skills
If there is an institutional commitment to women’s success, women are more likely to be successful. (institutional rewards to mentors can include such things as money, or credit towards promotion).
It is essential that women get advanced leadership training. Consider attending a leadership conference for women (such as the one sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges) or enrolling in formal training (such as the Harvard management training program for health executives).
In selecting a mentor, remember to:
- Have many mentors, not just one
- Cultivate peer mentorship
- Pay attention - someone may be trying to mentor you (follow advice of those who have told you things like "you should write this paper/get on this committee…")
- Have a specific question in mind when you approach a mentor
- Be a good mentee (return calls, etc.)
Give yourself permission to make choices (for example, electing not to go on tenure track)
Remember that simply "working really hard" is not good enough
Don’t forget to enlist the help of key male mentors
Become a mentor when you reach the appropriate level
When mentoring/being mentored by someone of a different race/ethnicity be sensitive to cultural differences and issues
Look to mentors in other disciplines
Say yes to things that make you happy
Network with contacts outside your institution – this reduces isolation and advances you at a national level
There are many more men than women working as part-time faculty, but they tend to combine this with private practice, while women more often combine with family responsibilities.
Women have a harder time getting mentors because:
- They have unequal access to mentors of either sex
- There is a lack of senior women mentors
- Women often look for supportive, approachable mentors, rather than helpful ones
- Women are often excluded from informal networks
A mentor is person who sees that you get the best possible chance to fulfill career potential. They are a teacher and a coach.
A good mentor:
- sees potential
- has vision/prepares mentee
- gives inside view of what matters
- gives honest career advice
- runs interference
- "lets their little star shine" -doesn't take credit
In order to get promoted you should:
- focus strengths
- know unwritten policies
- publish
- establish joint ventures with mentor
- keep a positive attitude (no whining!)
- undertake professional development programs
- do committee work
- stay organized
- keep electronic CV current
- make self care a priority
Avoid major administrative work early in career (often committees need a "token woman")
Keep a balance between work and family, but don’t use family as an excuse to neglect work