SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Development of a Mentorship Program for Nocturnists

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This document describes a mentorship program designed specifically for nocturnist hospitalists, who often are early-career physicians and may have limited access to senior mentors because they work overnight shifts. Since mentorship is known to support career development, an academic hospitalist program created an Early Career Mentorship Program in 2021 for its 25 nocturnists.<br /><br />By November 2023, 16 nocturnists had participated. To evaluate the program, the authors surveyed participants with an anonymous 18-item electronic questionnaire; 11 responded (69%). Results were generally positive: 91% said their mentor matched their interests. Meeting frequency varied from monthly to twice yearly. Mentors were especially helpful for participants interested in research, QI, and committee work, and moderately helpful for teaching and career advice.<br /><br />Observed outcomes also suggested career growth. Participants found teaching opportunities, joined hospital committees, developed curricula, and designed quality improvement and research projects. Six nocturnists in the program achieved academic promotion, and mentors sometimes wrote internal letters of support.<br /><br />The authors conclude this is the first reported mentorship program focused on nocturnists. They found mentorship should be intentional and flexible to fit the unique schedule of nocturnists. They suggest adding a separate clinical coach role in the future. Overall, the program appears promising for preventing career stagnation and helping retain early-career nocturnists by making mentorship more accessible despite their night-based work schedule.

Asset Subtitle

Kathleen R. Atlas

Meta Tag

Author List Barbara Egan, CHHAVI Kumar, Heather Kurtis, Kathleen R. Atlas

Category Innovations

Concept Nocturnist

Concept Mentorship

Concept New Physicians

Concept Mentorship Program

Concept Career Development

Distinguished Finalist

Presenter Organization Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Presenting Author Kathleen R. Atlas

Track Other

Keywords

nocturnist hospitalists

mentorship program

early-career physicians

academic hospitalist

career development

quality improvement

research mentorship

teaching opportunities

academic promotion

clinical coaching

Nocturnist

Mentorship

New Physicians

Mentorship Program

Career Development