What makes a good mentor? It’s an interesting question. Most of us can identify many people in our lives who have been good role models for us. But I’m talking about that special person who really stands out. Someone who made a difference for you. That special person is the individual I think about when I use the term “mentor.”

In Greek mythology, Mentor was an old, wise confidant and friend of Ulysses. When Ulysses left for the Trojan War, Mentor was placed in charge of Ulysses’ infant son, Telemachus, and in charge of the palace. Clearly, this would be an individual of high trust and regard. Thus, the use of the term “mentor” is a term of great importance and should not be used lightly.

Think about those people you consider to be your mentors. These would be people who you might place on a list. But I think it should be a short list. Perhaps parents would be appropriately placed on that list, and a couple of close relatives. A special teacher who took an interest in you would qualify as well. Then professionally there are maybe a half-dozen or so you might consider for the list. About 12 to 15 people on that list, tops. A short list indeed! But what makes them mentors? Are there special traits that they uniquely possess that qualify them for the term? Or are they learned skills that each individual developed in his or her own special way?

I believe that each of us has the capacity to be a mentor. It takes time and planning, to be sure, but the potential is there just the same. The mentor should have the desire to share knowledge and experience with the mentee. There also needs to be an easy exchange of ideas and concerns between the mentor and mentee. A rapport that can last for an extended period of time is very helpful. Having someone to call upon for advice is reassuring and beneficial. It is also desperately needed in a rapidly changing world where the value of the physician is underappreciated.

The ACOI membership holds within its ranks some of the best mentors in the world. These are dedicated people who give selflessly of themselves to advise, support and encourage those who seek them out. They are outstanding role models and examples of what a mentor should be. Mentoring is a process that often takes years. I’m very thankful to those who have taken me under their wing, so to speak, and mentor me. They have taught me how to mentor others and to honor my own mentors with the ability to serve as a mentor for young physicians.

The ACOI has tools for mentoring that you may find helpful. They are available for download on the ACOI website, and have been helpful over the last several years to many of our colleagues. If you are seeking someone to mentor you personally, I can recommend our resources to you and the ACOI will help identify and locate mentors to meet your needs.

For over 5,000 years of recorded medical history, physicians have utilized and benefited from the mentor-mentee process. We have a great tradition behind us, and a very bright future ahead of us. I encourage you to become a part of this most fulfilling area of medicine. Generations of physicians that follow will be in your debt and you will have been a part of the process that assures the continued success of osteopathic internal medicine.

Fraternally,

Kevin P. Hubbard