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Key factors in selecting a research mentee

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Description

In this episode, Dr. Onwuemene shares her evolving approach to selecting research mentees. As a seasoned mentor, she reflects on the importance of being selective, ensuring alignment with her long-term research goals, and the challenges of providing the intense support required by those new to research.

Key Points Discussed:

  1. Bandwidth: The first consideration is the mentor’s capacity to invest time and energy into a new mentee. This consideration is especially important when the mentee lacks research experience.
  2. Team Support: The research team plays a crucial role in mentoring. The team's ability to support the mentee in basic tasks and provide additional guidance is essential.
  3. Mentee’s Motives: Understanding why a potential mentee wants to join the research program is key. It is important to distinguish between those who are genuinely interested in research vs. those who are seeking a quick publication or letter of recommendation.
  4. Time Horizon: The length of time a mentee can commit is a critical factor. It typically takes at least a year to see substantial results from original research projects.
  5. Alignment with Research Goals: It is important to align the mentee’s goals with the long-term objectives of the research program. A misalignment can lead to scattered efforts and reduced effectiveness.
  6. Research Skill Level: The mentee's prior research experience influences the decision. Mentees with more experience require less intensive mentoring, allowing for a more balanced distribution of time and resources.
  7. Project Prioritization: The types of projects a mentee is interested in also play a role in the selection process.

Call to Action:

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Sponsor/Advertising/Monetization Information:

This episode is sponsored by Coag Coach LLC, a leading provider of coaching resources for clinicians transitioning to become research leaders. Coag Coach LLCis committed to supporting clinicians in their scholarship.

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