Mentors

Dr. Vivian Pinn, the first African-American woman to chair an academic pathology department in the U.S., eloquently sums up the role of a mentor, “Because I know what a difference [it makes,] having someone to just give you advice, or to just be there for you, or to just be able to hear you talk if you have a problem, and maybe help you think through it yourself. What a difference that can make in terms of personal development and professional development.” Both men and women have served as mentors for women in the field of medicine. By being role models, providing help and expertise, and paving the way for future practitioners, they have been key in developing new experts.

The Archives for Women in Medicine contains examples of many different types of mentoring relationships. Dr. Leona Baumgartner was called upon by various colleagues and friends to provide mentoring for young women seeing entry into medical school. Dr. Myrtelle Canavan began her career in neuropathology under the watchful eye of Dr. Elmer Southard. She later went on to mentor other women in the field of neuropathology such as Dr. Louise Eisenhardt. Dr. Fuller Albright’s mentoring relationship with Dr. Anne P. Forbes resulted in the discovery of a new disease, Forbes-Albright Syndrome, and Dr. Eva Neer mentored individuals in various stages of medical education from undergraduates all the way up to medical fellows.