Mentors in graduate medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

In 1988, 40 senior faculty members at the Medical College of Wisconsin were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the extent and benefits of mentor relationships between faculty and residents. Seventy-eight percent thought mentor activity was feasible in their own departments; however, only 18% felt that a majority of residents in their departments had a mentor. Seventy-five percent reported having been a mentor, and 90% indicated they had a mentor either currently or previously. All 25 faculty who reported having a mentor felt that this arrangement had assisted them in their career advancement, 88% reported it had enhanced their personal development, and 72% indicated the relationship had helped them deal with stress. The mentor relationship appears to have significant benefits for the medical trainee and should be promoted.