What’s your background?
I came to medicine after doing other things – a degree in psychology and social anthropology at London University and then a BSc in neuroanatomy at UCL. Now, as well as being involved in both clinical and basic research in neuroendocrinology, I am still involved in patient care and clinical teaching. So I see myself as having a broad academic and medical background.
What advice would you give to those choosing an Academy mentor?
You should think carefully about what you want out of the relationship and choose an appropriate mentor for that. If the issues you need to address are very much professional, perhaps someone who’s had the same sort of career would be helpful. For some it helps to have someone of a similar background and general life plan, while for others it is important that they are involved in a very closely related field.
When you’re looking for a mentor, ask around a bit for suggestions. At meetings, you might hear someone talk and like their approach and you could ask them to act as a mentor. They need to be someone you find approachable – basically you’re looking for a friend so you need to be able to build some rapport with them.
I think it’s helpful if someone is broadly in your area, so they understand the politics – I’m not sure I’d understand enough to be a good mentor for, say, a gastroenterologist!
