University of Ottawa Vertical Mentorship Program: Improving Engagement through Simple Innovation

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Published: Jun 21, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18192/uojm.v7i1.2000
Keywords:
Medical education, Mentorship

Main Article Content

Christopher Russell
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4181-1868
Iuliia Povieriena
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
Marianne Levesque
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of simple innovations on three identified program gaps (attendance and engagement, understanding of the program, issue identification and resolution).

Methods: Survey responses, event attendance, and subjective observations, were compared between the 2014 - 2015 and 2015 - 2016 academic years, providing direct and indirect measures of gap closure.

Results: Attendance and engagement - Mid-year survey response rate was excellent (n=133), and increased responses from second year coordinators and mentors were seen in both 2015-2016 surveys’. Dessert night attendance increased from 2014 to 2015 (383 to 436). End of year event numbers decreased year-to-year (163 to 115). Only 5.9% of students did not attend events due to a lack of interest in the program.

Issue identification and resolution - Mid-year surveys identified three groups with difficulties communicating. Knowledge of available resources in mentors rose by 5% between years, and by 55% in second year coordinators.

Understanding of the program - 12 of the 52 mentorship groups actively used Facebook to engage and plan joint activities. The nominations received at the end of the year, and survey comments, focused beyond topics of career mentoring, and expanded to the impact of the field on life, life in medicine, and family.

Conclusion: Identifying gaps in a program such as the VMP, through eliciting feedback from those participating may be challenging. Establishing simple innovations may be an effective way to improve participants’ experiences and overall functioning of the program.

Article Details

Issue
UOJM Epub
Section
Original Research
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References

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