Dr Smith on the Value of Mentorship in Oncology

Sonali M. Smith, MD, Elwood V. Jensen Professorship of Medicine, chief, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago Medicine, discusses the value of mentorship in oncology practice on International Women’s Day.

The idea of mentorship in this space warrants reexamination, Smith begins. When she first embarked on her journey in medicine, Smith says that she envisioned a mentor as a quasi-parental figure who would guide her through her life and career, providing opportunities to write, publish, and speak. Smith states that her perception, shaped 25 years ago, was that upon their retirement or stepping down, she would assume their role. However, what has come to light today is that mentorship is a collaborative endeavor, she explains.

There's no singular omnipotent mentor who can fulfill all needs. Instead, I now realize that mentorship starts with the individual themselves, Smith elucidates. No one is as invested in a career than the individual, and as a mentee, it's imperative to take ownership of your journey, she states. This often involves managing upward, guiding mentors to help you extract the most value from their expertise and support, Smith notes.

Moreover, mentorship isn't confined to just one individual, she continues. The most significant growth and benefit come from cultivating a team of mentors with diverse expertise and perspectives, Smith explains, adding that one may serve as traditional mentors, offering guidance on work, research, and trials. Others may act as sponsors, leveraging their networks to open doors for you, she says. Then there are supporters, who celebrate and amplify your achievements, Smith continues.

Therefore, mentorship is more of a community—a network of individuals working together to foster growth and success, she continues. Smith concludes by stating that in her experience, mentorship is reciprocal, noting that she has learned as much from her mentees as they have from her.