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What is Effective mentoring?
Effective mentoring can mean something different to everyone. To me effective
mentoring is forming a connection with someone that can guide you to where you want to be.
Some people look at mentoring as a positive example for someone to follow (P Archer, CMD,
oral communication, August 2014) but it is so much more than that. Being an effective mentor
means being able to relate to and communicate with your mentee. Not only do you need to be
able to teach your mentee, you also need to be able to guide, support, nurture and encourage your
mentee. Finding a middle grown between educating your mentee and giving them the
independence to perform some trial and error of their own is key. One of the easiest ways to be
effective is finding people who fit well together.
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Sharing the same values, work ethic, and
motivations will help create a stronger mentor/mentee relationship. Some of these things are
practically impossible to teach yet can often be demonstrated (P Archer, CMD, oral
communication, August 2014). Often times the most positive mentor/mentee relationship are
build out of respect and are not assigned or pushed upon one another (P Archer, CMD, oral
communication, August 2014; J Prisciandaro, Ph. D., oral communication, August 2014). These
relationships between mentor and mentee are in theory a way for mentees to become more
comfortable, be able to ask questions and receive criticisms in a supportive atomphsere.
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These
non-structured relationships lead to more positive outcomes such as academic success and
scholarly productivity. Nonproductive mentor relationships with incompatible attitudes have
been known to lead to things such as abuse of power, exploitations and even sexual harassment.
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When thinking about mentors it is most often thought of in an educational or employment
situation, but mentors can be found in a variety of life events including among your peers.
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Mentors can be found in clubs, organizations, groups with similar beliefs and just life in
general. If you find someone who has achieved what you would like to achieve and approached
life in a way that you would like to as well, they can be your mentor. Though it may sound easy
to pick someone you would like to have as a mentor, it is important that the person is willing to
put forth the effort to be an effective mentor. One of the best characteristics of being an effective
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mentor is being availabile.
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A good mentor needs to be able to take the time to explain things
such as processes and procedures, possibly several times and with different explanations if
needed. They need to be around to listen to the needs of the mentee, understand what the mentee
is experiencing and be compassionate and encouraging to get their mentee over any hurdles in
their way (J Prisciandaro, Ph. D., oral communication, August 2014). The problems I have
experienced professionally with finding a mentor is that there are multiple people with whom I
connect with and I feel like they could teach me multiple things from planning to managing the
work load and flow of the department but the catch is them having adequate time to dedicate to
me while achieving their own goals.
Due to the complications that may arise with mentors some people may ask, why have a
mentor at all? Especially when you have completed courses, became certified and are capable of
doing the job. Having a mentor doesnt mean that you dont know what you are doing or need
assistance. Having a mentor in a new job could be something as simple as someone showing you
the ropes or giving you tips about certain physicians (P Archer, CMD, oral communication,
August 2014). Having a mentor that can vouch for your work and put a good word in for you
can definitely help open some doors that can be nearly impossible to break through on your own
(J Prisciandaro, Ph. D., oral communication, August 2014).

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References
1. Lenards, N. Professionalism & Mentoring. Mentoring. [Softchalk]. La Crosse, WI: UW-
L Medical Dosimetry Program; 2014.
2. Trad, M. Mentoring radiation therapy students: a review and survey. Radiation
Therapist. 2009;18(2):101-108

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Appendix A
Heather Maurer
Mentoring Interview with Paul G Archer, CMD (Transcript)
August 5, 2014
Q: In your own words, what does mentoring mean to you?
A: Teaching, guiding, supporting, encouraging. Mentoring means providing a positive example
for someone to follow.
Q: Do you believe there is both effective and ineffective mentoring? How so?
A: I believe that the characteristics that make a good mentor are competence, teaching ability,
patience, reliability, and a positive attitude. Obviously, the ideal, most effective mentor would
have high ratings in all areas. But, as each of us is a different combination of these
characteristics, each of us has a different level of effectiveness in mentoring a colleague.
Q: Would you consider this different from teaching? In what ways?
A: I think mentoring involves teaching, but includes much more. Using the example of Medical
Dosimetry, a teacher might teach someone how to generate acceptable treatment plans. A
mentor would also serve as an example on how best to communicate and work with others in the
department, how to best manage the work load, and how to avoid frustrations, as well as being a
resource regarding other aspects of work life like benefits, pay raises, etc. Finally, I think its
impossible to teach a good work ethic and a good attitude, but easy to be an example of those
things.
Q: What traits make for the best mentors?
A: See response to #2
Q: What traits make for the best mentee?
A: Clearly, a mentee must have interests and aptitudes in the area of study. Beyond that obvious
point, I think the mentee must balance an openness to taking on the traits of the mentor with a
desire to still be their own person. The mentee must also be observant having the ability to
learn some things without asking questions.
Q: Do you consider yourself a mentor?
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A: Yes. A teacher and a mentor.
Q: How important are mentors in a medical professional setting?
A: Essential, I think. It is possible for a young person to come out of school with all the
education necessary to work in a medical profession and even have work experience in other
professions to make them a good employee, but without some guidance on how to work with
demanding physicians and critically ill patients in an environment where life-and-death decisions
are made under pressure, I think many people will struggle to survive.
Q: Does everyone need a mentor?
A: I think so, but not always for the same duration.
Q: Did you have a mentor to get to where you are today?
A: I did and I am grateful for having had that experience early in my career. It was not a
formal mentor/mentee relationship, but one that gave me a great start to my career as a
Dosimetrist.
Q: What recommendations would you give someone looking to become a mentor or looking to
find a mentor?
A: Dont force a mentor/mentee relationship from either side. My impression is that the most
effective relationships evolve without a lot of pushing. I would say: Learn from everyone, but
choose the one person who seems the most effective at the job to me a mentor.

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Appendix B
Heather Maurer
Mentoring Interview with Joann Prisciandaro, Ph. D. (Transcript)
August 4, 2014
Q: In your own words what does mentoring mean to you?
A: Mentoring is a relationship between an established or senior staff and a trainee or junior
staff. The purpose of the relationship is to nurture and help the trainee/junior staff member
develop professionally. The mentor is intended to provide professional guidance, assist with
professional development, and act as an advocate/sponsor for the trainee/junior staff mentor.
Q: Do you believe there is both Effective and ineffective mentoring? How so?
A: Yes. First and foremost, I do not believe mentors can be assigned. I believe this relationship
develops based on mutual interests and respect. It is mutually beneficial. The mentee learns and
develops under the guidance of the mentor, however, in return, the mentee must also keep in
mind that he/she is a representative of the mentor. As such, the mentee must bear this in mind
when presenting him/herself professionally.
For this relationship to exist and thrive, time must me allowed for the mentor/mentee to
meet. Therefore, there should really be a limit to the number of mentees a mentor agrees to
coach. Additionally, not only does the mentee need to demonstrate respect to the mentor, but the
mentor should respect the mentee. They should provide positive encouragement to the mentee
and not be overly critical.
Q: Would you consider this different from teaching? in what ways?
A: Yes, mentoring goes beyond teaching. Although a mentor may teach/train their mentee, they
are also guiding and helping them to develop professionally. As such, I believe this is a much
deeper relationship, one that can develop into a lifelong friendship.
Q: What traits make for the best mentors?
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A: A good mentor is understanding and compassionate. They are aware of the stresses and
difficulties of the mentee, and tries to help them overcome these issues with encouragement and
respect. They are available to listen to professional as well as personal concerns.
Q:What traits make for the best mentee?
A: A good mentee is an individual that is willing to listen, learn, and accept advise and criticism
without taking these comments personally.
Q: Do you consider your self a mentor?
A: Yes and no. It is an honor to be someones mentor and a relationship that must be built and
maintained. I have tried to be a mentor and friend to my trainees, but there is also a fine line
between a supervisor and mentor. Whether I was truly seen as mentor could only be answered
by my trainees.
Q: How important are mentors in a medical professional setting?
A: It is very important to have a mentor in order to develop professionally. One can only get so
far with hard work and willingness to learn. A mentor can advocate for you and open doors that
may not have been available to you because he/she is willing to attest to your work ethic and
abilities.
Q: Does everyone need a mentor?
A: I believe everyone should have a mentor.
Q: Did you have a mentor to get to where you are today?
A: Yes, starting from high school teachers to colleagues that have mentored me in my current
profession.
Q: What recommendations would you give someone looking to become a mentor or looking to
find a mentor?
A: Mentors Understand the relationship and the commitment that it requires. This is not a
relationship to be entered in lightly.
Mentee Realize this is a mutually beneficial relationship, and should be established with an
individual you respect and trust. However, also realize that you will be a representative for your
mentor. As such, you need to be professionally respectful of your mentor.