Mentorship for Non-academic, Mid-Career Hospitalist Physicians: The Journey Taken Less Often

Abstract

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the professional development of hospitalists by offering guidance, support, and opportunities for career advancement. Multiple studies have reported that mentorship significantly contributes to improving job performance and cultivating happiness in medicine. Further, mentorship also leads to increased confidence in decision-making, and enhanced work-life balance. Additionally, mentees have reported greater engagement, reduced burnout, and commitment to their organizations. Most of these studies were performed on academic hospitalists and very little has been written about the foundation of non-academic organizations: mid-career hospitalists. Academic organizations have invested in mentorship programs, but little focus is given to mentorship of hospitalists, specifically mid-career hospitalists, outside of these settings. The lack of mentorship contributes to lack of professional development, burnout, low job satisfaction, worse patient outcomes, and increased turnover. By fostering a culture of mentorship, healthcare institutions can better retain talent, improve patient care, and ensure sustained career satisfaction among hospitalists. This article delves into the importance of mentorship, its empowering benefits, and strategies tailored to the specific needs of mid-career hospitalists working in non-academic institutions. Further, we advocate for integrating robust mentorship as a strategic initiative to bolster the professional trajectory of this vital group within the healthcare system.