The Academy has provided a one-to-one mentoring service for Clinician Scientist Fellows since 2002, as part of its work to support young medical academics. This mentoring scheme provides direct support from the Academy’s Fellowship of pre-eminent scientists to the next generation of academic leaders.

The aim of the Academy’s mentoring programme is to offer support and guidance to clinical scientists as they develop their career in academic medicine.

It has developed out of the recognition that successful careers depends not only on strong research and clinical track records but also on making the right career choices. Moving up the academic ladder often involves ‘step changes’, which call for new professional expertise and personal skills to cope effectively with greater professional autonomy and responsibility.

Academy mentors are able to offer insights, share experiences and provide support and encouragement.

The focus of the mentoring relationships is expected to be:

• Achieving an appropriate balance between research, clinical commitments and obtaining specialist status
• Career planning/job applications
• Personal development - leadership and negotiation issues
• Establishing effective networks and collaborations with other scientists/clinicians
• Effective management of students and staff