Finding an RCGP mentor

What I can gain from an RCGP mentor?

Whether you are starting out on your GP journey or contemplating retirement, or you are at any of the stages in between, you will constantly be coming across career challenges. More often than not, there will have been someone out there who has been through similar challenges and can help by providing you with sound guidance and inspiration on how to move forward.

Benefits to mentoring include:

  • Exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking.
  • Advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses.
  • Guidance on professional development and advancement.
  • Increased visibility, recognition and demonstration of your career focus.
  • Improved self-confidence.
  • It can be a supportive environment in which successes and failures can be evaluated.
  • The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge.

When to seek a mentor

Mentors can be a valuable resource no matter where you are in your career and no matter what career challenge you may be facing.

Before registering as a mentee, consider what you need from a mentoring relationship. RCGP Mentoring may be different to other mentoring programmes you have come across in general practice. RCGP Mentoring provides the means to connect with other members, from like-minded peers to role models, for informal peer support. RCGP Mentoring is designed to be a peer-led career development tool and RCGP Mentors cannot provide clinical supervision, and we would advise you to visit 'Accessing support from others' if you have concern for your own wellbeing.

Some examples of when you may call upon an RCGP Mentor include:

  • Considering a career in general practice;
  • You have recently CCT’d and are new to independent practice;
  • Want to change roles or pursue new career opportunities;
  • Return to practice after a career break;
  • Want to develop and progress within your current role;
  • To make the most of your appraisal and revalidation;
  • Are preparing for a job interview;
  • Are wishing to develop knowledge and skills in a particular area i.e. research;
  • Wish to seek assistance and develop skills to solve work-placed problems;
  • Are planning for or seeking a leadership role.

Find out more about finding a mentor.

Visit RCGP mentoring