Tales of Mentoring in Radiology: The Experience of Residents and Mentors at a Single Academic Program

PurposeTo investigate the utility of mentoring groups in radiology residency.MethodsFive assistant professors of Radiology and 20 radiology residents were divided into 5 groups. One resident from each academic year was randomly paired with a mentor group. Three 1-hour group mentoring sessions took place over the year. Upon completion of the project an anonymous Quality Improvement survey of 20 questions were sent out to participants to assess the utility of these mentoring sessions.ResultsFour mentors out of 5 responded. All 4 had prior neutral and positive experiences as mentees involving career advice and subspecialty choice. During this experience all mentors had a positive experience. The majority found it helpful to have residents of different levels in their group to allow for peer to peer mentoring and all thought the mentoring program should continue. The most common topics they covered during the sessions were career advice and specialty choice. Sixteen residents out of 20 responded. The majority had had a previous mentor experience which was mostly positive or very positive and predominantly career and/or research related. Almost all of them had a positive or very positive mentoring experience this year. The high majority found that having residents of different levels was beneficial. Topics that mentoring sessions helped mostly with were career advice, work life balance and study skills. All of the mentees thought the mentoring program should continue.ConclusionsMentoring groups can be a valuable addition to residency training, especially in helping with career advice and work life balance.     

A model for faculty mentoring in academic radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to describe the development and implementation of a faculty mentoring program in radiology designed to promote the career development of junior faculty and enhance communication in the department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mentoring program was implemented in five stages: organizational readiness, participant recruitment, mentor matching and orientation, implementation, and evaluation. Evaluations were based on Likert scale ratings and qualitative feedback. A retrospective analysis was also conducted of the annual performance reviews of junior faculty in the areas of research, teaching, patient care, and overall performance. RESULTS: An average of 83% (19 of 23) of the junior faculty participated in the pilot phase of the mentoring program. During five rounds of testing, the median rating (1 indicates not important; 10, extremely important) from responding junior faculty was 10 for overall value of individual mentoring meetings; the median rating for the mentors responding was 8.75. Research and academic development were identified as the areas of greatest importance to the faculty. Research and patient care were most improved as assessed by faculty peers during performance reviews. The schedule of semiannual formal mentoring meetings was reported to be optimal. CONCLUSION: The program was implemented to the satisfaction of junior faculty and mentors, and longitudinal performance suggests positive effects. Issues to be contended with include confidentiality and the time needed for mentoring beyond already saturated schedules. Overall, the authors propose that mentoring programs can be an asset to academic radiology departments and a key factor in maintaining their vitality.     

Perceived Benefits of a Radiology Resident Mentoring Program: Comparison of Residents With Self-Selected vs Assigned Mentors

Purpose

It has been suggested that assigned mentoring relationships are less successful than those that develop by free choice. This study evaluates radiology residents' overall experience with a mentoring program and compares the responses of those who self-selected mentors with those who were assigned mentors.

Methods

A voluntary Web-based survey was sent to 27 radiology residents in postgraduate years 3-5. Data collected included the following: year in residency, method of mentor assignment, duration of relationship, frequency and types of communication, perceived value of mentoring, overall satisfaction with the program, and the perceived impact of mentoring.

Results

Twenty-five of 27 residents (93%) responded, with 14 having self-selected mentors (56%) and 11 having assigned mentors (44%). Both groups unanimously agreed that mentoring is beneficial or critical to their training; however, those residents with self-selected mentors were significantly more satisfied with the mentoring program (4 vs 3.3; P = .04) and more likely to consider their mentor as their primary mentor compared with those with assigned mentors (11 [79%] vs 4 [36%]; P = .049). Although all residents perceived a benefit, residents with self-selected mentors rated almost all mentoring parameters more positively than those with assigned mentors, although most of these parameters did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Residents highly value the importance of mentoring. However, residents who self-select their mentors are more likely to be satisfied with a mentoring program.     

A descriptive study of mentoring relationships experienced by Army nurses in head nurse or nursing supervisor roles.

Mentoring relationships experienced by Army Nurse Corps officers in head nurse or nursing supervisor roles were examined via a survey questionnaire. Findings indicate that career development relationships are occurring among these nurses, but less than half of the relationships consist of mentoring. Nursing supervisors comprised the largest group of career developers, while head nurses were the second most likely group to assist with the development of a novice nurse. Approximately half of the nurses indicated that the career development relationship had a "substantial" influence on their personal lives, and a "very great" influence on their professional lives.     

Mentoring the mentors: Aligning mentor and mentee expectations

The Radiology Alliance for Health Services Research sponsored a symposium at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Association of University Radiologists, which focused on the issue of aligning mentor and mentee expectations to foster successful mentoring relationships. This article presents a summary of the informal discussion of the panelists' individual experiences, common themes, and insights gained from the panel participants.     

Mentoring for the next generation of new managers

Mentoring programs can be key to the continued success of an organization. With anticipated increasing turnover of employees and senior management getting closer to retirement, it has never been more important to train and mentor the next generation of new managers. This article identifies personality traits that may contribute to a successful mentor/mentee relationship and discusses new schemes and approaches designed to mentor new managers.Old and new ideas can be melded together through generational mentoring. This article highlights issues regarding both the advantages and disadvantages to mentoring.     

Does physical activity impact on presenteeism and other indicators of workplace well-being?

The term 'presenteeism' is a relatively new concept in workplace health, and has come to signify being at work despite poor health and performing below par. Presenteeism, which is potentially critical to employers, has been associated with a range of psychosocial outcome measures, such as poor mental health and employee well-being. Physical activity is a potential strategy for reducing presenteeism, and for improving the mental health of employees. This article reviews evidence on the relationships between physical activity and employee well-being and presenteeism in the workplace, and identifies directions for research in an emerging field. Electronic and manual literature searches were used to identify 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These included 13 intervention trials (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 comparison trials) and 7 observational studies (3 cohort, 4 cross-sectional). Outcome measures were grouped into 'workplace well-being', 'psychosocial well-being' and 'physical well-being'. Studies measured a wide variety of outcomes, with absenteeism being the most commonly assessed. Evidence indicated a positive association between physical activity and psychosocial health in employees, particularly for quality of life and emotional well-being. However, findings were inconclusive as to the role of physical activity in promoting workplace well-being. Only one study reported on presenteeism, with mixed evidence for outcomes. This article indicates that physical activity and employee psychosocial health are positively related, but there is limited evidence of a relationship between physical activity and presenteeism. A standardized definition of presenteeism and an appropriate evaluation tool are key research priorities if the complex relationships between physical activity and workplace well-being are to be better understood.     

Prevalence and risk factors of neck pain in military office workers

An extensive cross-sectional questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of neck pain and to identify risk factors (short term to long term) in the occurrence of neck pain in military office workers. Two standardized scales (Neck Disability Index and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) allowed assessment of the impact of neck pain on the person's life and the pain-related fear avoidance. A total of 629 completed questionnaires were evaluated which revealed the following: lifetime prevalence (78%), week prevalence (53%), point prevalence (59%), year prevalence (65%) (once-only, 19%; regular, 51%; long term, 15%; never, 7%). The results of this study provided support for the role of physical and psychosocial job characteristics in the etiology of neck pain in military office workers.     

Mentoring radiology residents in clinical and translational research

To be an effective mentor at any level is always a challenge and requires a dedication to teaching and mentorship and being prepared to devote a significant proportion of one's time. But if you are open-minded and deeply care for your mentee, you have the opportunity to be a successful mentor. This presentation is based on personal experience of mentoring radiology residents, doctoral students, and post doctoral students for several years.     

Occupational back disability in U.S. Army personnel.

Musculoskeletal disorders represent a prevalent source of outpatient visits, lost work time, hospitalization, and disability in the military. Recent research has identified patterns among military occupations, gender, and musculoskeletal disability. Although back disorders accounted for a high percentage of all cases, little is known about the relationship between job type and disability in soldiers. The present study analyzed 41,750 disability cases to determine (1) prevalence of work-related back disability diagnoses, (2) specific jobs associated with greater risk of back disability, and (3) association among gender, job type, and disability. The results indicate that (1) lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome represent the most prevalent diagnoses for back disability, (2) certain occupations were associated with higher back disability risk, and (3) specific jobs were identified in which females experienced higher rates of back disability than males. The nature of these high-risk jobs, and recent research on work disability factors in U.S. Army soldiers, suggest that a combination of ergonomic and individual/organizational psychosocial factors may play a role in the development, exacerbation, and maintenance of work disability. Future research that identifies specific job factors contributing to increased back disability risk should assist in the development of empirically based work site prevention programs to improve musculoskeletal health and readiness.     

Potential Bias in Image-Guided Procedure Research: A Retrospective Analysis of Disclosed Conflicts of Interest and Open Payment Records

PurposeTo assess the prevalence of positive conflicts of interest (COI) disclosures in United States–based interventional radiology (IR) research as well as the level of agreement between disclosed financial relationships and Open Payment Data for top-cited image-guided procedure research.Materials and MethodsAll publications in volume 30 (2019) of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) were reviewed to estimate the prevalence of COI disclosures in IR research. Publications were categorized as primary research, systematic review, or other. The prevalence was subsequently compared across JVIR publication subtypes and categories and on the basis of whether they were device-focused publications using χ² tests. Additionally, the Web of Science database was searched for the top 10 most cited studies of 10 common image-guided procedures with available U.S. physician payment data. The payments were categorized as historical (>1 year prior to publication) or active (<1 year prior to publication) and compared with the disclosed financial COIs using 1-way analysis of variance.ResultsPositive COI disclosures were present in 114 (29%) of the 397 publications in JVIR volume 30. Positive COI disclosures were most prevalent in standards of practice (50%, P = .01) and more prevalent in device-focused publications (54% vs 23%, P < .01). Among the 396 authors of 100 United States–based top-cited image-guided procedure publications, 383 (97%) failed to disclose at least 1 active financial relationship, with an average of $57,937 in undisclosed payments per publication.ConclusionsCOI are prevalent in IR, similar to other areas of healthcare research, and COI in top-cited image-guided procedure research are often underreported.     

Changes in smoking patterns in young military recruits in relationship to psychosocial characteristics

We followed 295 young infantry recruits during their first 14 weeks of basic training. The prevalence of smoking increased by 50%. About half of this increase was accounted for by ex-smokers, 57% of whom had resumed the habit. Average education and military psychometric measures of both the baseline smokers and the new smokers were significantly lower than those of the abstaining never-smokers. Asian and North African origin and a lower peer group evaluation score were also risk factors. These relationships were not demonstrated among resuming ex-smokers. The rise in the smoking rate accounts for most of the known rise during full military service. We suggest early preventive measures, especially for the two groups at risk.     

Are there predictors for future academic radiologists? A Canadian survey.

In 1990 the authors surveyed all members of the Canadian Association of Radiologists and all graduates of the radiology residency program at the University of British Columbia in the previous 10 years. They compared radiologists with and those without a university affiliation to determine the influences on career choice. The factors considered included teaching, research and publication experience, as well as educational background. Most respondents had decided on a career path during the second half of the residency or later. The authors found certain predictors and influences associated with a greater probability that a radiologist would pursue an academic career. For example, academic radiologists were more likely to have performed research, published and presented the results of their research activities, and taught before undertaking the residency program in radiology than their counterparts who were not affiliated with a university or a residency program. However, class standing in medical school and prior educational experience were similar for academic and nonacademic radiologists. The influences most often cited as leading toward an academic career were a desire to teach, the inspiration of a role model and an interest in research. Job satisfaction was higher among nonacademic radiologists, as indicated by the number that would consider a career change. Most of the respondents disapproved of a special residency curriculum for academic radiologists.     

Comparison of service member and military spouse satisfaction with installation fitness facilities and exercise programs

Satisfaction with fitness facilities has long been accepted as a positive contributing factor to physical activity, readiness, and overall quality of life for military families. Our findings are based on a random sample of military families surveyed at 38 installations worldwide and at remote locations. A total of 8,572 service member and 3,493 spouse (55% and 32% response rate, respectively) questionnaires were completed and returned. Overall, members were satisfied with fitness facilities and programs, but spouses were less satisfied and more unfamiliar with these facilities. Most valued programs were fitness centers and swimming pools. Members reported that elimination of fitness facilities would greatly decrease the quality of life on installations, particularly at sites outside the continental United States, whereas spouses reported that this would not have a dramatic effect. The results of this study could be used to direct funding allocations, improve the health and fitness of military families, and suggest areas for further research.     

Comparison of health care services for career soldiers throughout the world

Health care systems operate differently in every country and are products of historical and political factors. We compared health care systems for career soldiers in various countries with those of the Israel Defense Forces. Questionnaires requesting data regarding military health care services provided in their countries were sent to military attaches serving in Israel. The countries for which data were gathered include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, England, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Romania, Spain, and the United States. In most countries, career soldiers receive better health care services than civilians, especially in countries with military rule or under military threat.     

Work stress in the military: prevalence,causes, and relationship to emotional health

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and sources of occupational stress for military personnel and the relationship between work stress and emotional health in the military population. METHODS: Four hundred seventy-two active duty military personnel stationed at F. E. Warren Air Force Base completed a 65-item survey that included items involving reported life events, perceptions about occupational stress, and perceptions about the relationship between work stress and emotional health. RESULTS: These military personnel were significantly more likely to report suffering from job stress than civilian workers (p < 0.001). One-quarter (26%) reported suffering from significant work stress, 15% reported that work stress was causing them significant emotional distress, and 8% reported experiencing work stress that was severe enough to be damaging their emotional health. Generic work stressors were endorsed more frequently than military-specific stressors. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-quarter of this sample of military personnel reported suffering from significant work stress and a significant number of these individuals suffered serious emotional distress. These results support previous research suggesting that work stress may be a significant occupational health hazard in the U.S. military.     

Childhood predictors of military fitness: a prospective, community-based, follow-up study from age 8 to age 18

Knowledge of the impact of childhood psychosocial problems on success in military service is scarce. The purpose of the study was to assess whether childhood psychosocial problems are associated with suitability for military service. The subjects were 2,622 Finnish boys born in 1981. They were first assessed with the Rutter parent and teacher questionnaires and self-reports (Children's Depression Inventory) at age 8. Their suitability for military service was assessed at age 18. A wide range of childhood problems, especially internalizing disorders, predicted release from military service. All informants had predictive association with later suitability for military service. The majority of children with psychiatric problems were later estimated to be fit for military service. The results show a predictive association between childhood psychiatric problems and early adult psychosocial impairment, as estimated by the ability to serve in the military forces.     

Psychosocial screening in children with wartime-deployed parents

Children of U.S. military families are exposed to unique challenges and stressors directly related to their parents' wartime deployments, potentially placing them at higher risk for psychosocial disruption. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of parental wartime military deployment on psychosocial symptoms as measured by parent and youth self-report on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. During annual physicals at a large military pediatric clinic, parents (216) and youth (198) were surveyed about emotional and behavioral difficulties and the current status of parental deployment. Parents reported more child psychosocial symptoms, and youth self reported more psychosocial symptoms if there was a currently deployed parent. Youth self-reports may be another way to identify psychosocial symptoms in at-risk military youth. These findings accentuate the importance of training providers who care for military youth to recognize and respond to their unique needs during parental deployment.     

The physician assistant profession and military veterans

The physician assistant (PA) profession originated to train former medics and corpsmen for a new civilian health care career. However, baccalaureate degree prerequisites to training present barriers to discharged personnel seeking to enter this profession. A survey was administered (2006-2007) to all MEDEX Northwest PA program graduates who had entered with military experience. The survey addressed attitudes toward the profession, PA education, and practice and how military experience influenced their education and careers. The response rate was 46.4%, spanning all branches of the military. Respondents reported military experience positively impacting ability to handle stress and work in health care teams and that patients and colleagues viewed their military background positively. Most (75.5%) respondents did not hold a bachelor's degree at matriculation. Veterans bring substantial health care training to the PA profession. However, program prerequisites increasingly present barriers to entry. Veterans' contributions to health care and the consequences of losing this resource are discussed.