Mentor training program improves the self-confidence and skills of mentors in clinical and translational medicine

Objective Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) introduced the Mentor Training Program (MTP) since 2018 to strengthen the system of faculty development. This study aims to investigate the effects of MTP training. Methods Questionnaire of pre-course, 1-week post-course, and 3-month post-course were collected among 18 trainees, the questions cover the degree of confidence, feedback and mentor behavior change after training. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wailis H test was used to assess confidence in mentoring skill, applying open coding to analyze the open questions. Results All trainees reported a significant increase in confidence in improving mentoring skills, becoming excellent mentors, strengthening contact among mentors and increasing career satisfac- tion. A variety of mentoring skill such as communication, long term career goals, making aligned goals with trainees, role modeling, and time managing significantly increased. The mentor's practice changes are reflected in the practical process of applying the instructor's philosophy, communication methodology, and personal development tools learned during MTP. Conclusions MTP training contributes to innovating mentoring concepts and improving mentoring skills,expansion and further progress are needed to develop the next generation of clinical-translational research mentors.