I feel mentorship is one of the most important aspects of my job as an academic physician-scientist. My primary goal in all mentor-mentee relationships is to help each individual get to the next step in their career progression whether that is in academia, industry, clinical practice, or any other career path. I have benefitted from great mentorship and one thing I have taken from those relationships is the importance of tailoring my mentorship style to each trainee’s different needs. I attempt to do this through regular one-on-one interaction and creation of career development plans that align with the trainee’s goals. This includes a focus on written and oral presentation skills as each trainee learns to present their work to a broader scientific audience. As the principal investigator of the lab, I aim to foster a lab environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and promotes collaboration. This is based in consistent and open communication. Ultimately I want the Thompson Lab to be a safe and fun place to learn and grow as a scientist.
Mike