Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How a Group of Coordinators Made Mentoring Possible
Publication/Presentation Date
2018
Abstract
Background : APPD coordinator group mentoring has continually evolved with the goal of connecting a diverse group of coordinators to provide mentorship and support. One mentoring group, the IncredAbles, has found success in implementing a basic structure and consistent form of communication. The current method is: 1) A monthly 30-minute phone meeting is scheduled 2) Members submit topics of discussion for the agenda 3) Members call in and discuss agenda items. Additional questions discussed if time allows 4) Additional information or resources requested are sent via email along with minutes. The overall time to organize and report back to the members is 30 minutes monthly.
Objective : The primary objective of the data is to show the benefits of group mentoring and the measurable outcomes produced from a structure that allows for sharing best practices, assisting others with implementing new processes, and overall encouragement and support.
Methods : Several methods were used. First, 16 members were surveyed on their experiences as a member. Members were asked qualitative questions on perceived benefits of the group such as support, time saving measures, and help with projects and tasks. Second, specific examples were requested as to how the IncredAbles assists members in their programs and what they appreciate most. Third, two independent researchers thematically analyzed the 2016 and 2017 meeting minutes, and four common themes were chosen: information sharing, process improvement, encouragement, and scholarly activity. Then, six members were assigned five sets of minutes each to analyze independently and designate discussed topics with one of the four themes. Nine members then discussed the outcomes. Data was compiled by a member who had not been part of the analyzation process.
Results : Per the survey results, 66.67% noted that “support from peers” was the most helpful piece of the IncredAbles' model. From the collection tools, one unique aspect reported was the ability to talk with pediatric coordinators, which differed from other medical education groups that usually consist of multiple specialties. In the thematic analyzation of the meeting minutes, the following data was collected: 62 instances of information sharing, 28 of process improvement, 16 of encouragement, and 3 of scholarly activity. It was also noted that in instances of information sharing, there was usually another theme discussed in conjunction.
Conclusion : The IncredAbles have been able to maintain membership and achieve success through consistent structure, collaboration and coordinator-driven content. Having pediatric coordinators with a variety of programs and types represented (residency vs. fellowship) expands the scope while remaining applicable. The group has been able to implement a process that allows for information sharing with measurable outcomes such as innovation within their individual programs as well as scholarly activity while encouraging peers. Due to the collective effort and input of all of the members, we believe the IncredAbles' model can be used as a framework for success
Volume
18
Issue
5
First Page
e15
Last Page
e16
Published In/Presented At
Edwards, J. Adams, K. Bialkowski, M. Smith, A. Hudson, T. McCartney, S. Mitchell, E. Del Rosario, Riley, J. (2018). Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How a Group of Coordinators Made Mentoring Possible. Journal of the Academic Pediatric Association, 18(5), e15-e16.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics Faculty
Document Type
Article