1. Thoughts on Mentoring [Updated 2015 11]

Not that many years ago, in fact, since moving from the prairies to Richmond in 2005, I attended a conference in White Rock sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada, of which I have been a member since medical school days. The theme had to do with what kind of legacy we leave. Over the last couple of years, the UBC Department of Psychiatry has been trying to organize a Mentorship Program. The possibility of making a contribution here as part of a legacy that I could leave as I transition from work to retirement was at least in part the motivation for my wanting to join this. However, other than 3 large-scale events, one of which I missed, I must confess that the idea has just not gotten off the ground for me in terms of arranging actual meetings between busy physicians and the group of busy residents assigned to me and a colleague.

For some time I have been thinking that a blog might be a useful mechanism for furthering this cause. I would still hope for some face to face meetings as you can't substitute for that, as we know all too well in psychiatry. However, this could supplement that and I would look forward to some lively discussion.

I have no illusions about what I might bring to the table, other than my life experience and what I have learned from it. I am neither an accomplished researcher nor academic writer. Although I looked into it once, but in part because I'm already near retirement did not pursue it further, I have not tried to elevate my position in the UBC Department of Psychiatry to higher than Clinical Instructor. Nor am I going to post my CV in an effort to establish my credentials. However, having said that, it would still be helpful for the reader possibly to know more of my background and experience. It might also stimulate questions arising from the readers' own considerations of educational and career choices, which in itself could be helpful for a student or resident.

I have some writing that I have done that I could relatively easily and quickly already post. Anyone who has been a medical student of mine here in BC will recognize one or 2 of the documents. I think I will move on from this introductory post though to one that describes, or perhaps only begins to, if it turns into a longer treatise, where I have gone in my journey through medical school,  residency and practice. As I said above, this could be helpful for others considering a career in medicine, already in Medical College or looking at residency choices. My writing might helps some avoid mistakes I may have made. It might encourage some who are struggling, as I have also struggled in different ways and in different times.

So, I will start at the beginning in my next entry.