By MARTIN SAMUELS, MD

1. Be a real expert (have something real about which to mentor)

2. Don’t avoid being a mentor because you are not “like” the mentee (e.g. gender, age, field, ethnicity)

3. Give negative feedback when necessary but don’t hold a grudge

4. Use your power to substantively help the mentee

5. Be proud of your mentees and tell them so (take real pleasure in their accomplishments)