When I look back on my career, I feel immense gratitude. So many people have offered their time, energy, expertise and reputation to help me move forward.
My medical director, Dr. Alice Hunter, had a significant impact on my early career trajectory. She opened doors for me to get involved in our practice and gain valuable experience. More importantly, she provided frank feedback and shared insights and experiences that strengthened the foundation on which my administrative career would be built. Executives Drs. Ted Kloth and Mark Spiro were also instrumental in my development.
These mentors taught me that no one rises alone and that the quality of our support networks has much to do with how high we rise. They’ve inspired me to mentor others and create a foundation that supports the development of future healthcare professionals.
Benefits all around
Mentorship occurs when experienced professionals share knowledge and expertise with colleagues, students and young people exploring career possibilities.
Mentors provide practical information and support (e.g., what to include in a medical school application essay). They can also help practicing clinicians build their confidence, competence and leadership on the job (for example, how to begin a courageous conversation).
In a study of company mentoring programs, both mentor and mentee participants were promoted 5–6 times more often than nonparticipants. Mentors also report greater meaning in their work, while mentees are far more likely to report being happy and fairly compensated.
Mentorship is especially needed in healthcare. Our industry is facing an acute staffing crisis, with many clinicians approaching retirement age. Mentoring programs could help attract more young people to medical and nursing careers and support them through the often-demanding educational process.
Mentoring could also help address high burnout rates and keep more clinicians and leaders in the field longer. A Wharton School of Business study found that mentors and mentees had above-average retention rates.
Finally, research shows mentoring programs can greatly improve retention and advancement for women and minorities. This would benefit diverse patients, who fare better with clinicians they can relate to.
Start where you are
Seventy-six percent of people think mentors are important, but only 37% have one, so there’s a huge unmet need. While company-sponsored mentoring programs are growing in popularity, most mentor-mentee relationships develop naturally. So, consider offering your time and talents directly to those in your network.
Indeed, we often mentor others without realizing it. As leaders, every word we speak will likely influence those around us. The significance of these day-to-day interactions may not be recognized for years by either individual.
For example, one of my colleagues was considering stepping down from their leadership role. We talked often about where their true passions lay. At the time, I didn’t see myself as mentoring but simply taking an interest in a colleague’s career. My friend ultimately stepped into a new role more aligned with their talents, allowing them to make a significant positive impact.
More recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to mentor younger colleagues. I’ve established regular touch bases with them to learn more about their career interests and provide them with insight into our organization. My goal is always to expand their sense of what’s possible.
My passion for mentoring also led me to cofound the Vituity Cares Foundation with Vituity CEO Imamu Tomlinson. Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals—especially those from underrepresented communities—is core to its mission. To this end, we provide educational outreach, financial support and mentoring to K–12 and college students interested in healthcare careers. The Vituity Cares Foundation has also allowed me to personally mentor an incredible high school student, sharing with pride in their accomplishments.
In summary
Next to caring for patients, mentoring has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Watching former mentees grow and contribute due to our interactions is a powerfully humbling experience. And there’s no experience more moving than watching a young student discover, develop and explore opportunities that previously seemed out of reach.
Looking back, I believe I’ve learned far more from these individuals than they have from me. And I’ve become part of the ripple effect each mentee generates, creating far more impact than I ever could have.
No matter where you are in your career, mentoring can bring fresh meaning and deep satisfaction to your work. You don’t need extensive experience or a formal program to make a difference. Start with those in your immediate orbit while believing that you being you is transformative.
About the author
Theo Koury, MD, is the President of Vituity, a leading physician-owned healthcare partnership. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Koury has been instrumental in advancing patient care through innovative solutions. He is a board-certified emergency physician and a passionate advocate for healthcare transformation, dedicated to improving outcomes for patients and providers across diverse care settings.
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