7.P. Round table: EUPHAnxt Mentoring Programme: insights from Mentees
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background In a compelling perspective published in the New England Journal of Medicine titled “What Is a Mentor?”, Dr. Suzanne Koven shares her personal experience and the crucial, transformative role that a mentor played in her professional career. The article conveys the true meaning of the mentor figure as “someone who has more imagination about you than you have about yourself.” The analysis also focuses on the relationship between mentor and mentee, emphasising that the real focus of a mentoring program is the benefit and success of the mentee, someone the mentor is genuinely interested in and from whom they derive gratification and satisfaction. The article explores the qualities of a good mentor, such as “genuine empathy and firm ego boundaries”, and highlights that even younger individuals can serve as mentors, creating a mutually beneficial exchange. It also expresses disappointment at the underrepresentation of women and individuals from underrepresented or minority ethnic groups in formal mentoring structures, an issue of particular relevance in public health. Added-value: In line with this inclusive and developmental vision of mentorship, the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), in collaboration with EUPHAnxt, launched the first edition of its cross-European mentoring program in October 2023. Designed to connect mentors and mentees across thematic public health areas, the first edition involved 87 mentees and 30 mentors across 30 groups and 14 different areas. The second edition, currently ongoing, includes 16 mentees (from 10 different countries) with 10 mentors, organised into 10 groups and focusing on eight main areas. Aim This workshop aims to amplify the voice of the mentees and mentors who took part in the program, to share and reflect on their experiences. It will promote the initiative, and encourage wider participation. The present workshop aims to position the mentoring program as a central initiative of EUPHA and a transformative experience for those involved. The session will foster dialogue on lessons learned and identify opportunities for improvement and expansion. Format This 60-minute interactive session will feature a panel of 5 participants from the mentoring program, each offering brief presentations on distinct aspects of their experience (e.g., cross-border mentoring, thematic alignment, inclusive practices). These contributions will serve as the basis for a moderated discussion among panellists, followed by an open dialogue with the audience to exchange ideas, challenges, and visions for the future of mentoring in public health. Key messages • Mentoring programs bridge public health professionals across borders, enhancing individual growth and collective capacity-building through shared learning in thematic and practice-based networks. • Inclusive, cross-generational mentoring transforms careers and strengthens public health by amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences, fostering more equitable and responsive practices. Speakers/Panellists Ana Zhelyazkova LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany Sophie Eicher Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany Trishnika Chakraborty UMCG, Delhi NCR, India Laura Neuperdt Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
Authors: Organised by: EUPHAnxt, EUPHA, Chair persons: Domitilla Marconi (Italy), Linda Montanari (Portugal)
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101400227
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: