Quebec College of Family Physicians' new formal mentorship program.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED: The stresses that arise during the first years of practice can discourage future physicians from choosing family medicine. Quebec is experiencing challenges in recruiting clinical family physicians to replace those nearing retirement. Mentorship is a promising approach that supports future family physicians. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: To help family physicians at the beginning of their practice to adequately cope with the issues and challenges that come with professional integration and their personal and professional development. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: A 12-month program that pairs mentors with mentees, on the mentee's initiative; it provides supports for mentors (such as a community of practice), and it comprises meeting formats that encourage the participation of mentees and mentors from different geographic regions across Quebec.
CONCLUSION: Engaging and supporting mentees and mentors are essential to success, but might also present organizational challenges to sustaining formal mentorship programs for new family physicians in Quebec. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.