MODEL Lead Showcase
Featuring Maja Artandi
August 20, 2024
The MODEL (Mentorship, Opportunity, Development, Empowerment, Leadership) Program, initiated by the Department of Medicine (DoM), is a department-wide, cross-divisional, mentoring and development program designed to meet the unique needs of the CE and UML faculty lines.
Launched in January 2024, MODEL is championing a dynamic new mentoring culture across the department.
This August, we are pleased to spotlight MODEL Lead Maja Artandi, MD. In addition to her dedicated work as a MODEL Lead, she is a clinical professor of medicine in primary care and population health.
Describe your mentoring style. What do you think are the most important attributes of a good mentor?
When I am mentoring someone, I see myself as their advocate and coach. It is exhilarating to help my mentees figure out what they want to do, where they want to go and then support them so they can get there.
An important attribute of a good mentor is their investment in the mentee's success. This involves taking the time to listen, understanding the mentee's goals, sharing knowledge and expertise, and helping to overcome challenges.
Another crucial attribute is the creation of a safe mentoring relationship. The mentee should feel confident that they can share challenges without fear of retribution.
Who was your most influential mentor, and what was the most important lesson you took away from that relationship?
My most influential mentor was and is one of my supervisors. He has been my mentor for more than a decade. Even though we don’t meet on a regular basis anymore, I know that I can always talk to him when I face a challenge and need advice. He has given me great advice and tough feedback and has provided opportunities for me to grow.
The most important lesson I am taking away from this relationship is the profound impact a good mentor can have if the mentee is willing to listen, learn, and follow through.
Why do you think it is important to establish and promote a culture of mentorship within the DoM? I.e. what might that look like when we are successful?
A strong mentorship program is crucial for hiring, developing, and retaining our faculty in the Department of Medicine (DoM), as well as for fostering a sense of community. Many colleagues express feelings of isolation and uncertainty about where to seek career guidance and support, despite the wealth of knowledge and wisdom within our department. We have amazing faculty, from new hires to leadership.
Creating a culture of mentorship will establish a supportive structure, provide senior faculty with opportunities to share their wisdom and experience, and accelerate the growth of junior faculty.
Share a moment or experience in the MODEL program that significantly impacted you/was memorable.
I am really privileged to be the PCPH MODEL Lead and part of an amazing group of mentees. It is wonderful to see the mentees grow individually and connect as a group.
It is amazing to see how everyone shows up for our monthly MODEL meetings and the regular 1:1 meetings. This commitment from the mentees has had a profound impact on me.
Where do you find the most joy in your work with the MODEL program?
I find the most joy in getting to know my mentees better and learning how I can best support them. This occurs during our monthly group meetings and in one-on-one sessions with individual mentees. I also greatly enjoy being part of the MODEL mentor group and connecting with the other MODEL Leads.
A strong mentorship program is crucial for fostering a support structure and a sense of community.
– Maja Artandi, MD, on the impact of MODEL
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