Eyeworld

DECEMBER 2021 | EYEWORLD | 23 by Liz Hillman Editorial Co-Director As for mentees, the more a mentee brings a question or idea close to completeness before reaching out to their mentor, the more willing the mentor will be to help. For example, if you say, "I'd like to get started on MIGS," that's a long process and discussion. If you say "I'm planning on going to this wet lab to get start- ed with this MIGS device; do you think that's helpful?," this shows the mentee put in more thought, and the mentor can tailor and fine tune a response. Neda Nikpoor, MD EyeWorld: Who have been some of your most influential mentors? Dr. Nikpoor: The most memorable mentors I had in fellowship were faculty who had characteristics that I admired. For example, Carol Karp, MD, is so patient and caring that I gravitated toward that and respected her so much that I thought I wanted to go into ocular oncology. It wasn't so obvious to me at the time that it was her demeanor and attributes that I admired, but that didn't mean I had to be an oc- ular oncologist. I think early on it might be hard to tease out whether it's your mentor's traits or specialty that you are drawn to. Another mentor is Geoff Tabin, MD. He cares deeply about curing global blindness, but he is also completely engaged in every interac- tion with patients, mentees, and colleagues. His energy and relentless drive are inspiring, and I often think of him when I need motivation to do something. I also had two mentors in India from my global fellowship. The most impactful and memorable conversations we had were more centered around life and philosophy than oph- thalmology, and they helped me to think deeply about what matters to me. You never know who is going to share pearls of wisdom that will change your life, so I find being open to mentor- ship anywhere in the world leads to unexpected meaningful connections. I am fortunate that people like George Waring IV, MD, and Bill Trattler, MD, have taken me under their wing. Just by showing up to meetings and being engaged, mentors like them generously give so much of their time and freely continued on page 24 EyeWorld: What is a mentor to you? Dr. Greenwood: To me, a mentor is someone who can be your guardrails and offer sugges- tions and help you not make a major mistake. The mentee asks the questions, and the mentor doesn't necessarily answer the questions but helps them avoid a major mistake. I think these relationships happen organ- ically with time, with similar interests and an alignment of goals and passions, whether it's formal or informal. These relationships form when a mentee is seeking knowledge and the mentor has time and effort that they're willing to give. EyeWorld: How do these relationships become established? Dr. Greenwood: You don't have to pick a men- tor for life, although sometimes that's the way it works. I think it depends on what stage of your career or education you're in and what you need. Most of these relationships come via con- nections in residency or practice, but also going to meetings provides a good opportunity to meet mentors and mentees. It's giving yourself the opportunity to make those connections, and most of the time that's just by being present. You never know how it will form, but if you are present in the moment and ask questions at meetings, there is going to be someone who wants to teach. EyeWorld: Are you usually discussing clinical topics in these relationships or more practice/ career-related topics? Dr. Greenwood: Most of the conversations are not technical and more life, career planning. The technical topics get woven in but those are short, and the philosophical, planning ones are deeper. That's why the relationships become deeper and more personal. You're talking about people's lives vs. patient care. EyeWorld: What makes a good mentor/mentee? Dr. Greenwood: I think they need to be some- one who cares enough to make a difference in this person's life. Knowledge is also a require- ment, but it will be meaningful and impactful when a person cares. They've got to be willing to teach and give up that time. About the physicians Michael Greenwood, MD Vance Thompson Vision Fargo, North Dakota Neda Nikpoor, MD Aloha Laser Vision Correction Honolulu, Hawaii Manjool Shah, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan References 1. Farkas AH, et al. Mentorship of US medical students: a sys- tematic review. J Gen Intern Med. 2919;34:2602–2609. 2. Burgess A, et al. Mentorship in the health professions: a review. Clin Teach. 2018;15:197–202. Relevant disclosures Greenwood: None Nikpoor: None Shah: None

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