The impact of COVID-19 on mentoring early-career investigators

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted almost all sectors of academic training and research, but the impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research mentoring has yet to be documented. We present the perspectives of diverse, experienced mentors in a range of HIV research disciplines on the impact of COVID-19 on mentoring the next generation of HIV researchers. In November to December, 2020, we used an online data collection platform to cross-sectionally query previously-trained HIV mentors on the challenges related to mentoring during the pandemic, surprising/positive aspects of mentoring in that context, and recommendations for other mentors. Data were coded and analyzed following a thematic analysis approach. Respondents (180 of 225 mentors invited [80% response]) reported challenges related to relationship building/maintenance, disruptions in mentees’ training and research progress, and mentee and mentor distress, with particular concerns regarding mentees who are parents or from underrepresented minority backgrounds. Positive/surprising aspects included logistical ease of remote mentoring, the relationship-edifying result of the shared pandemic experience, mentee resilience and gratitude, and increased enjoyment of mentoring. Recommendations included practical tips, encouragement for patience and persistence, and prioritizing supporting mentees’ and one's own mental well-being. Findings revealed gaps in HIV mentors’ competencies, including the effective use of remote mentoring tools, how to work with mentees in times of distress, and the prioritization of mentor well-being. Mentors are in a unique position to identify and potentially address factors that may lead to mentees leaving their fields, especially parents and those from underrepresented backgrounds. We discuss implications beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact on Peer Mentorship After Implementation of a Competency-Based Residency Curriculum in Canadian Radiation Oncology Training Programs

“…Many Canadian RO trainees experienced negative educational experiences from the pandemic, 45 so it is conceivable that peer mentorship also suffered during this time in RO, as it did in other disciplines. 46 The double hit of the curriculum change and COVID-19 may have disrupted peer mentorship to a greater extent compared with if CBD was implemented prepandemic. Remote mentorship was attempted in RO with mostly positive results, 47 although location was still found to be important to have sustainable relationships.…”

Evaluating mentoring programs in health service psychology: An example of the society of pediatric psychology mentoring project.

“…Although a strength of the present study is the inclusion of perspectives from mentees and mentors, the eligibility criteria did not require both participants in the mentee–mentor dyads to provide responses in this study, and it might also be beneficial for future studies to analyze perceptions and outcomes within mentoring dyads. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a variety of aspects of health service psychology training and mentoring, such as changes to training opportunities, remote mentoring, and increased mentor and mentee stress (e.g., Bell et al, 2020; Gardner et al, 2021; Johnson et al, 2021). Future studies would benefit from examining the impact of COVID-19 on formal mentoring programs in health service psychology; findings could inform program adjustments to enhance mentorship during the pandemic.…”

Developing a mentoring program to support the next generation of immunologists

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic created significant hurdles for graduate students to find an independent mentor organically. By severely disrupting our ability to attend conferences and interact with immunologists from other institutes, the pandemic limited opportunities for students to network and seek mentorship opportunities 7,8 . In late 2020, the Immunology Group of Victoria (IgV)—the Victorian and Tasmanian branch of the wider Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI)—hosted a Career Webinar Series, facilitated by the then IgV student representatives Drs Taylah Bennett and Xavier Sng (now both Post‐Doctoral Research Fellows, Monash University).…”