The National Oncology Mentorship Program (NOMP)
Strong mentorship has been shown to improve trainee clinical skills, medical knowledge and career planning. A positive mentorship between trainee and mentor can also foster improved overall levels of wellbeing and career satisfaction. Despite these benefits, less than 1 in 5 medical oncology trainees had a formal mentor in 2021.
In 2022, a pilot mentorship program was conducted through the NSW Medical Oncology Advanced Trainee Committee, led by Dr. Udit Nindra and chaired by Dr. Jia (Jenny) Liu. This found high rates of burnout in medical oncology trainees and consultants. The program received excellent qualitative feedback - over 80% of mentees and 90% of mentors were satisfied with the program and advocated for a national rollout.
With MOGA, 2023 saw the launch of the inaugural National Oncology Mentorship Program (NOMP).
The aims of this program are to allow:
A confidential and safe forum for oncology trainees and young oncologists to debrief with a more senior colleague on the challenges of oncology training/career navigation and to address uncertainty/stress/burnout during these challenging times
An avenue to support career and personal development and provide independent feedback
Provide trainees with opportunities to discuss career goals with like-minded consultants that could provide research or clinical networking opportunities
NOMP will be running again in 2024. Medical oncology trainees/young oncologists who join the program will be matched with volunteer consultant mentors within their state, but outside their hospital network. Following an orientation session, mentees and mentors will meet a minimum of four times in a 12month period. Using surveys at baseline and at the end of the program, we will obtain feedback for future planning, and evaluate whether mentorship can improve levels of burnout and professional fulfillment amongst trainees and mentors alike.
If you have enquires please don’t hesitate to contact us at moga@moga.org.au
ASCO JCO Oncology Paper: