Evaluation of a Speed Mentoring Program: Achievement of Short-Term Mentee Goals and Potential for Longer-Term Relationships

doi:10.1016/j.acap.2016.12.012

Academic Pediatrics

Volume 17, Issue 5, July 2017, Pages 537-543

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2016.12.012 Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective

Speed mentoring provides brief mentoring and networking opportunities. We evaluated 1) a national speed mentoring program's ability to encourage in-person networking and advice-sharing, and 2) 2 potential outcomes: helping mentees achieve 3-month goals, and fostering mentoring relationships after the program.

Methods

An outcome approach logic model guided our program evaluation. Sixty mentees and 60 mentors participated. Each mentee met with 6 mentors for 10 minutes per pairing. At the program, mentees created goals. At 3 months, mentors sent mentees a reminder e-mail. At 4 months, participants received a Web-based survey.

Results

Forty-two (70%) mentees and 46 (77%) mentors completed the survey. Participants reported the program allowed them to share/receive advice, to network, to provide/gain different perspectives, and to learn from each other. Mentors as well as mentees identified shared interests, mentor–mentee chemistry, mentee initiative, and mentor approachability as key qualities contributing to ongoing relationships. Many mentor–mentee dyads had additional contact (approximately 60%) after the program and approximately one-third thought they were likely to continue the relationship. Goal-setting encouraged subsequent mentor–mentee contact and motivated mentees to work toward attaining their 3-month goals. The mentors aided mentees goal attainment by providing advice, offering support, and holding mentees accountable.

Conclusions

A national speed mentoring program was an effective and efficient way to establish national connections, obtain different perspectives, and receive advice. Goal-setting helped mentees in achieving 3-month goals and fostering mentoring relationships outside of the program. These elements continue to be a part of this program and might be valuable for similar programs.

Section snippets

Outcome Approach Logic Model

To evaluate this program, an outcome approach logic model was developed to define resources, activities, and outputs necessary to create the desired immediate and longer-term outcomes (Fig. 1).⁹ The program was refined and modified on the basis of evaluation and feedback from the previous speed mentoring programs. Similar to our previous program evaluation, we described the program's potential to encourage in-person networking and advice-sharing (objective 1). In addition, we considered whether

Participant Data

Sixty mentors and 60 mentees attended the program, representing 12.8% of the 932 APA members who attended the May 2014 PAS meeting and 5.8% of the APA membership. Forty-two (70%) of the mentees and 46 (77%) of the mentors completed the survey. Of the survey respondents, mentees were 88% female and 38% were in fellowship, 41% were assistant professors, 14% were attendings with no academic rank, and 7% other. The mentors were 59% female and held ranks of assistant professor (7%), associate

Discussion

Mentoring relationships have been correlated with increased academic productivity, personal growth and development, workplace satisfaction, and improved social connectedness.¹⁰ In addition, it is increasingly being recognized that even with a strong local mentor, most academic physicians require multiple mentors with varied skills sets and experiences, ideally some from outside the institution.¹¹ Many mentees find it challenging to discover mentors beyond their hospital or medical school. Our

Conclusions

This national speed mentoring program was well received by mentees as well as mentors as a valuable way to connect with colleagues, share advice, and determine if the potential existed for future contact. Participants reported that the new elements of our program, namely the activity of goal-setting along with a 3-month reminder from a mentor, were effective in keeping mentees focused, accountable, and feeling supported by the mentors. Additionally, a significant percentage of our participants

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the APA Board of Directors, who provided funding for this program, and the APA members who donated their time and expertise as program mentors. The APA staff, past as well as present, supported the program as well as the survey distribution.

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Research in Pediatric EducationEvaluation of a Speed Mentoring Program: Achievement of Short-Term Mentee Goals and Potential for Longer-Term Relationships

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Section snippets

Outcome Approach Logic Model

Participant Data

Discussion

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

Mol Ther

Acad Pediatr

Nurse Educ Today

J Surg Educ

Mentoring programs for physicians in academic medicine

Acad Med

Speed mentoring: establishing successful mentoring relationships

Med Educ

Five minutes to find your ideal match: speed dating in Banbury

Educ Prim Care

Research in Pediatric Education
Evaluation of a Speed Mentoring Program: Achievement of Short-Term Mentee Goals and Potential for Longer-Term Relationships