Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Professions Education

First Advisor

Dr. Tabassum Zehra

Second Advisor

Dr Sadia Masood

Third Advisor

Dr Shazia Babar

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: In undergraduate medical education, mentoring is pivotal, leading to the establishment of numerous mentoring programmes. Yet, a comprehensive grasp of mentors' and mentees' experiences within these programmes is deficient. While some studies focus on mentor/mentee satisfaction, understanding both parties' experiences remains lacking. This study aimed to explore mentors' and mentees' experiences, challenges, and successes in LNMC's formal mentorship programme to enhance its outcomes.
Method: The study at LNMC utilized an exploratory qualitative case study approach. Semi-structured interviews involved mentors from clinical and basic sciences, while focused group discussions included 1st, 3rd, and final year medical students in the mentorship programme. The study duration spanned three months from October to December 2023, after Ethical Review Committee approval, purposive sampling recruited mentors and mentees from the LNMC MBBS program. Inclusion criteria required faculty mentors with 3 years of experience and MBBS students from Years 1, 3, and 5, with exclusions for those unavailable or on leave. Following guide validation, 3 Focused Group Discussion & 11 semi structured interviews were conducted. Data transcription and analysis employed Braun & Clarke Thematic analysis.
Results: Mentees' experiences yielded themes of mentorship relationship & interaction, key drivers, barriers & challenges, and recommendations for enhancement. Similarly, mentors' experiences revealed themes of mentorship interaction & relationship, vital aspects, challenges & barriers, and continuous quality improvement. Insights emphasised the importance of supportive environments, adaptable meeting frequencies, and individualized approaches. Challenges included clarity of purpose, scheduling, attendance, and administrative aspects.
Conclusion: The study provided insights on the experiences of LNMC mentors and mentees, emphasising the importance of a supportive environment. Mentees valued academic guidance, confidence building, and career planning assistance from mentors. Challenges such as scheduling conflicts suggest the need for refresher training, recognition, and incentives for mentors. Implementing quality assurance mechanisms is also crucial. The findings provide guidelines for optimising mentorship programmes in Pakistani medical colleges.

First Page

15

Last Page

144

Available for download on Friday, August 28, 2026

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