Steps initiated for sustainability of faculty mentorship program at Aga Khan University Medical College: A mixed method study.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate and address challenges in faculty mentorship for sustainability of Faculty Mentorship Program (FMP) at Aga Khan University Medical College (AKU-MC).

Methods: This is a mixed method study conducted from June 2021 to December 2023 at AKU-MC. It comprises of the exploration of qualitative insights into the challenges faced by mentors, mentees, and administrators, also incorporating quantitative measures of success to evaluate the sustainability of the program over time. Data was retrieved from four Focus group discussions (FGD) with mentors and mentees, eight in depth interviews with the administrators of FMP and leadership. Challenges of faculty mentorship were further identified by a panel discussion and briefing sessions with faculty members of different departments at AKU-MC. Challenges identified by three data sets were presented to the FMP committee, discussed in forum meetings and recommendations were proposed for the sustainability of the program.

Results: During the interviews, mentors revealed 'Limited Training and 'Lack of Recognition' as key challenges whereas mentees mentioned deficient skills in planning developmental goals. Administrators mentioned the need to enhance the visibility of the program as well as to update the resources. Panel discussion highlighted the need for recognition of mentors and providing them with protected time. Departmental meetings endorsed the need for sequential training of both mentors and mentees. To address these challenges educational grand rounds, international conferences and webinar were conducted to enhance the visibility of the program. Mentors were acknowledged by appreciation emails and tokens of appreciation. A series of workshops to enhance mentoring skills were planned and executed.

Conclusion: The FMP at AKU-MC has devised a stepwise strategy to address challenges in faculty mentorship. This approach emphasizes collaboration with departments and the active involvement of leadership. By incorporating rewards, recognition, and a series of workshops, the program aims to foster a strong mentorship culture within the university. These efforts align with the objective of investigating and resolving mentorship challenges to ensure the sustainability of the Faculty Mentorship Program at AKU-MC.