Reach out and connect: the power of mentoring
ACEM’s mentoring program, Mentor Connect, matches participants with an EM colleague and provides support in their role as mentor or mentee. It’s a rewarding journey of learning and growth for both participants, and a chance to give back and share wisdom.
THE MENTOR: FACEM Dr Rohani Oorloff has worked in Toowoomba Emergency Department, Queensland, for two years.
FACEM Dr Rohani Oorloff
I became a mentee first, soon after I Fellowed and that started the process of me being involved in ACEM’s Mentor Connect program.
I see great value in the connections between mentors and mentees. I had a local mentor at different times throughout my training at different hospitals, but then as I finished and got my Fellowship, there was no longer access to that same program.
When I heard about the Mentor Connect program in one of the emails that ACEM sends out, I thought it would be great to have some ongoing support from a mentor. I did have some ideas about seeking someone who was quite geographically separate from where I was working and where I had trained – just so they would be impartial and a little bit removed from what I was involved with on a daily basis. And to be able to provide a bit of support at times.
Because I hadn’t heard anything specific about the Mentor Connect program from any of my colleagues, I went in pretty open-minded, not really knowing exactly what to expect but trusting that it would be positive. And because I knew it wasn’t like a binding agreement, I knew it wouldn’t be a problem if I didn’t match perfectly the first time.
“‘I was very impressed with the matching process ACEM’s Membership Support team went through as part of the program.’”
I was very impressed with the matching process ACEM’s Membership Support team went through as part of the program. They sent me a couple of options based on shared career goals and similar interests, but I did politely decline some initial offers because they were people I had worked with quite closely or knew quite well both professionally and outside of work. That separation was important to me.
The matching team then came back to me with another suggestion of someone who was outside of my state, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I was really appreciative of the efforts the admin team went to help facilitate that match. They match to hopefully help both parties and ensure that everyone involved gets something positive out of the relationship.
I think there’s always some potential awkwardness when you are connecting with someone you don’t know but the College has some good educational resources on mentoring that I had dipped into, plus I had already been a mentee through my training.
“‘Just knowing that you’re there as a point of contact and support for whatever may be required is reassuring for the mentee. It reminds you that you’re more than just the individual doctor working, it’s kind of the whole community at ACEM that’s around you – and that there are lots of people in the same position.’”
In the early days of my match, we didn’t have much luck communicating because we were both busy but we did still manage a few emails back and forth. My mentor made it clear that she was willing to help in any way possible … and that was a really nice way to start off. Then when I did some maternal leave time and then came back to the workforce, she shared some really helpful tips and strategies about that unique time.
The experience matched my expectations, in terms of providing an external point of view about emergency medicine as a whole, and also my position in it at the time – starting work as a consultant and then returning to work after prolonged leave.
Because I am also a mentor, I feel like I am contributing back. When I was a registrar, having a mentor was very valuable. Now the cycle moves on and I can supply some of my experience back to people who are approaching becoming a consultant themselves.
Just knowing that you’re there as a point of contact and support for whatever may be required is reassuring for the mentee. It reminds you that you’re more than just the individual doctor working, it’s kind of the whole community at ACEM that’s around you – and that there are lots of people in the same position.
“‘’I’m grateful that ACEM offers the program and that it’s there to take up as we see the need in our own lives. If people have been thinking about it, I recommend just putting your name forward and seeing if it works. You won’t know until you try.’”
There are key times in your career when mentoring is especially valuable, I think – parenting, changing jobs, becoming a FACEM. Moving from being a registrar to being a consultant was the big one for me. So was parenthood and returning to the ED after an extended time away. Going to a different workplace – whether you’re shifting from a metro ED to a regional one, or just changing to a different ED in your same home – can also be a huge thing. Every workplace has a slightly different culture, and it can sometimes take a while to settle into that, both clinically but also from a non-clinical perspective.
I can imagine that facing retirement or shifting towards academia could be another pivotal time mentoring could be a great support. It seems far off for me right now but it’s always valuable to hear stories of people who have walked the journey before you.
I’m grateful that ACEM offers the program and that it’s there to take up as we see the need in our own lives. If people have been thinking about it, I recommend just putting your name forward and seeing if it works. You won’t know until you try.
THE MENTEE: FACEM Dr Dervla McGrann has worked across Liverpool, Campbelltown and Camden Hospital EDs in NSW since 2023.
FACEM Dr Dervla McGrann
I’m a FACEM working in Southwest Sydney and have been involved in the Mentor Connect program for approximately 18 months.
Throughout my career, I have consistently been interested in the potential benefits of mentoring. Regardless of the sector, there are countless occasions where guidance is invaluable, and this is particularly true in emergency medicine.
Having a mentor with firsthand experience, who can share their insights and lessons learned, can be incredibly helpful in navigating the complexities of our careers.
Being matched with a mentor through ACEM was an exceptional opportunity. As a new FACEM, there are numerous skills and responsibilities that come with the role, many of which are not fully understood or anticipated when transitioning into this position. It can be challenging to carve out a niche, especially in non-clinical roles within teams.
“‘Having a mentor with firsthand experience, who can share their insights and lessons learned, can be incredibly helpful in navigating the complexities of our careers.’”
Initially, I felt somewhat lost and struggled to express these uncertainties, which I am sure many can relate to. Starting in a new environment can make it difficult to be vulnerable, particularly when you feel the need to present your best self to new colleagues.
This is why I believe that having an objective mentor, someone who can help you reflect on your experiences and consider different perspectives, is so valuable. I was fortunate to have Rohani as my mentor.
ACEM provided me with a detailed synopsis and biography of the mentors they were recommending, including their experience and areas of expertise. I was drawn to Rohani because of her experience in regional and rural settings and because she worked in a different state, and felt she could offer a unique perspective. What she shared in her own description resonated with me, especially having had similar professional experiences. This gave me confidence in the program’s processes and reassured me as I reached out to her.
“‘This is why I believe that having an objective mentor, someone who can help you reflect on your experiences and consider different perspectives, is so valuable. I was fortunate to have Rohani as my mentor.’”
Before engaging with the program, I had no clear expectations about the mentoring experience, having never met Rohani before. However, I trusted ACEM’s process and was open to giving it a try.
As I progressed in my career, I had mentored junior trainees and found that experience incredibly enriching, both in terms of personal growth and self-awareness. However, I recognised the importance of seeking fresh ideas and perspectives again as a mentee, and I was excited to gain new insights through this process.
Working with Rohani greatly enhanced my confidence. She provided me with invaluable reassurance and encouragement, reminding me that starting something new can be uncomfortable at first.
Thanks to her support, I was able to lead a mentoring program for international medical graduates in my department, which has received great feedback. This initiative has positively impacted team culture, and I am deeply grateful for the role that mentoring has played in its success.
“‘Mentoring is an ongoing journey of learning and growth, both for mentors and mentees. It is an opportunity to give back and share the lessons we’ve received.’”
Rohani was also instrumental in helping me focus on my interests, prioritise my time and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I am extremely grateful to my mentor Rohani, and look forward to meeting up with her in person someday.
Mentoring is an ongoing journey of learning and growth, both for mentors and mentees. It is an opportunity to give back and share the lessons we’ve received.
When facing a professional turning point, connecting with someone in a non-judgmental and supportive way can be incredibly empowering. As a mentor, it is immensely rewarding to witness someone reach their full potential, knowing that you played a part in their development.
