Qualities of a psychiatric mentor: A quantitative Singaporean survey
Tor, P.-C. Goh, L.-G. Ang, Y.-G. Lim, L. Winslow, R.-M. Ng, B.-Y. Wong, S.-T. Ng, T.-P. Kia, E.-H.
Tor, P.-C.
Goh, L.-G.
Ang, Y.-G.
Ng, B.-Y.
Wong, S.-T.
Ng, T.-P.
Kia, E.-H.
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Abstract
Objective: Psychiatric mentors are an important part of the new, seamless training program in Singapore. There is a need to assess the qualities of a good psychiatric mentor vis-a-vis those of a good psychiatrist. Method: An anonymous survey was sent out to all psychiatry trainees and psychiatrists in Singapore to assess quantitatively the relative importance of 40 qualities for a good psychiatrist and a good mentor. Results: The response rate was 48.7% (74/152). Factor analysis showed four themes among the qualities assessed (professional, personal values, relationship, academic-executive). A good mentor is defined by professional, relationship, and personal-values qualities. Mentors have significantly higher scores than psychiatrists for two themes (relationship and academic-executive). Conclusion: Being a good mentor, in Asia, means being a good psychiatrist first and foremost but also requires additional relationship and academic-executive skills. Mentors should be formally trained in these additional skills that were not part of the psychiatric curriculum. Copyright © 2011 Academic Psychiatry.
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Academic Psychiatry
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Date
2011-11
DOI
10.1176/appi.ap.35.6.407
Type
Review