Mentorship ecosystems in healthcare: A snapshot from the radiography community of the United Kingdom
Watts, Helen; Griffiths, Marc; Akudjedu, Theophilus N
Authors
Helen Watts
Marc Griffiths
Theophilus N Akudjedu
Abstract
Mentoring is the process through which a professional provides support, guidance, and advice, generally to a less experienced individual within their sphere of influence. Mentoring relationships are based on mutual trust and respect and focus upon the mentee's growth and development, often through mutually agreed goals. The mentor acts as a role model and resource, which can be in the form of a coach, supervisor, teacher, or counsellor, dependent on the circumstances. The framework and theoretical basis for mentoring stems from the 1980s when two clear functions were identified: to enable career advancement and to enhance a sense of self-identity (psychological and psychosocial support). One depiction of a mentor is ‘someone who has more imagination about you than you have about yourself’ with a genuine interest in the mentees’ wellbeing and success. This article will examine the relevance of mentoring in modern day radiography practice.
