Leadership | 05.30.24
A Mentor Can Make a Difference
by Holly Church, CPMSM, CPCS, MBA-HA, FACHE
Mentorship can help medical staff professionals (MSPs) at any stage and level of their career. Having a mentor can help you achieve your goals and feel more connected and supported in your growth. Being a mentor, someone who can guide and support others, can be immensely fulfilling and rewarding. It’s a win-win!
I have been tremendously lucky to have several amazing mentors throughout my MSP career. If you’ve ever been with a group of MSPs, you almost always hear: “I fell into this.” Well, me too! I was a personal trainer trying to figure out what I wanted to study in postgraduate school, and my first MSP mentor encouraged me to take a position where I would have responsibility for the medical staff quality program at a hospital. My initial days included managing medical staff peer review and implementing an OPPE and FPPE process (Joint Commission had just published the new requirements). Later down the road, this same mentor encouraged me to go back to graduate school, learn the credentialing and privileging side of the medical staff office, and even apply for an MSP director role outside of our organization. I credit much of my success to this particular mentor.
Everybody needs a mentor. I asked my father-in-law (a VP for a large supply chain company) his opinion on the matter. He said, “Everybody needs a mentor, just like a coach. Even the CEO of the hospital, needs a mentor.” I couldn’t agree more!
So, what is mentoring? Mentoring is a professional relationship between two people. The mentor often has a higher level of knowledge, skills, and experiences that supports the growth and development of the mentee. A mentor may guide an MSP to develop skills and knowledge, design a career path, or expand their network. In the ever-changing world of healthcare, mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support. Through one-on-one interactions, which can be either virtual or in person, mentors provide personalized advice, share professional insights, and offer constructive feedback, empowering mentees to make informed decisions and overcome obstacles with confidence. This mentorship dynamic fosters a sense of inspiration and motivation, driving mentees to set ambitious goals, push their boundaries, and strive for excellence in their professional endeavors.
By sharing their knowledge, expertise, and experiences, mentors not only contribute to the growth and development of their mentees but also reinforce their own skills and competencies. Through the process of teaching and mentoring, mentors deepen their understanding of their field, refine their communication abilities, and sharpen their leadership skills.
Beyond its professional benefits, mentorship also has a profound impact on personal growth and development. When I was talking to my father-in-law, he said the most important aspect of the relationship between a mentor and their mentee is trust. The relationship is built on respect, empathy, and creating a supportive environment where individuals can openly share their aspirations and fears. Through meaningful interactions and mutual support, friendships are developed that extend beyond the workplace. One of my closest friends is the MSP who suggested I take the quality job at the hospital. I would absolutely call several of my mentors (yes, I have several!) “friend.”
Where do you find a mentor? Reach out to someone you admire — they don’t even have to be an MSP! Have several mentors! A different perspective is very valuable. We handle the same stress, leadership, and management issues as others in other professions. Maybe you have an old college professor, or coach, or even a past boss — reach out to them!
What do you ask once you’ve reached out to them? Tell them about your career path. Share where you have been and where you think you want to go (and if you don’t know, that’s OK, tell them that too!). Ask them what they think could be your next career step. Ask them about their path (How did they become successful? Who were their mentors?). Ask them if they can introduce you to anyone who also could help.
As we embrace the power of mentorship, we pave the way for a brighter, more collaborative future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. NAMSS supports our professional journey by offering mentor partnerships. The NAMSS Mentorship Program moved to a new platform in the NAMSS Connection Zone. Use your NAMSS login credentials to log into the Connection Zone, and check it out!