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The mentoring of women for medical career development

Renate Petersen (Center for Higher Education and Quality Development, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Duisburg, Germany)
Angelika Eggert (Hospital for Pediatrics III: Hematology/Oncology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Essen, Germany)
Ruth Grümmer (Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Essen, Germany)
Ulrike Schara (Hospital for Pediatrics I: Neuropediatrics, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Essen, Germany)
Wolfgang Sauerwein (Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Essen, Germany)

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education

ISSN: 2046-6854

Article publication date: 4 May 2012

555

Abstract

Purpose

In Germany, scientific qualifications and an academic career in medical disciplines require mastering and balancing clinical, research and teaching activities. Systematic interdisciplinary human resource development is rare in German medical faculties. The purpose of this paper is to describe the MediMent programme, which is a model for systematic interdisciplinary support of early‐ and mid‐phase career development for medical academics. It comprises mentoring, training and networking modules tailored for pre‐ and post‐doctoral students at the Medical Faculty. It contributes to organisational development and reducing gender inequality by an affirmative action programme for women. The programme supports individual career‐building, teaches networking skills for an interdisciplinary workplace and assists in conflict resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Mentors and mentees provided feedback via standardised forms. Additional open‐ended questions were interpreted by content analysis. Statistics were prepared using SPSS.

Findings

Evaluation of the first six‐year programme run revealed several benefits, indicating the trio of mentoring, networking and the accompanying seminar series efficiently supports career development of young medical academics. Participating mentees felt they achieved career goals within the mentoring programme. Evaluations indicated a strong potential for future investment in the organisation through better training, improving institutional visibility and stimulating recruitment of excellent students.Originality/value – The success of the MediMent programme described in the paper recommends it for implementation at other institutions.

Keywords

Citation

Petersen, R., Eggert, A., Grümmer, R., Schara, U. and Sauerwein, W. (2012), "The mentoring of women for medical career development", International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 155-168. https://doi.org/10.1108/20466851211262888

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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