When I think about the most meaningful moments in my career, they are not always the clinical breakthroughs or regulatory approvals. They are the moments when I have been able to guide someone else, help them navigate a difficult decision, or watch them grow into a confident and capable professional. Mentorship has been a defining part of my journey as a physician-scientist and a biotech leader. I see it as a form of medicine in itself, a way to heal, support, and inspire the next generation of leaders in science and healthcare.

Why Mentorship Matters

Physician-scientists occupy a unique space. We are trained to care for patients, to ask deep scientific questions, and to navigate the complexity of clinical research. It is a demanding path, and the transition from medical training to research, industry, or leadership can be daunting. Mentorship helps bridge that gap. A good mentor does more than give advice. They provide perspective, encouragement, and a model for how to balance competing demands while maintaining curiosity, integrity, and compassion.

I have been fortunate to have mentors who challenged me, supported me, and showed me what effective leadership looks like. Their guidance was invaluable, especially in moments of uncertainty. I aim to pass that forward, recognizing that mentorship is both a responsibility and an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Listening First

One of the most important skills in mentorship is the ability to listen. Every mentee has unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Some are interested in academic research, others in clinical innovation, and others in biotech or leadership roles. Listening allows me to understand their aspirations and challenges, and to tailor guidance in a way that is relevant and actionable.

I remember one mentee who was struggling with the decision to leave clinical practice for a role in clinical development. By listening carefully, we explored their motivations, fears, and long-term goals. Together, we developed a plan that allowed them to transition confidently while staying connected to patient care. That experience reinforced for me that mentorship is not about directing someone down a single path. It is about helping them find the path that aligns with their skills and values.

Sharing Lessons from Experience

Mentorship is also about sharing lessons from experience, both successes and failures. In medicine and biotech, no one learns everything from textbooks. Much of what matters comes from observing others, making mistakes, and reflecting on outcomes. I try to be transparent with my mentees, sharing the challenges I have faced in clinical practice, regulatory negotiations, and leading cross-functional teams.

These conversations can normalize the uncertainty and setbacks that are part of any complex career. They help mentees understand that failure is not the end of the journey but an opportunity to learn and grow. I have found that these lessons are often the ones that stick the most, shaping the way mentees approach problem-solving and leadership.

Encouraging Curiosity and Critical Thinking

A central goal of mentorship is fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Medicine and research are constantly evolving, and the next generation of physician-scientists must be able to question assumptions, analyze data, and innovate responsibly. I encourage mentees to ask tough questions, challenge conventional thinking, and explore the intersection of science, medicine, and strategy.

This approach goes beyond technical skill. It cultivates confidence, resilience, and intellectual independence. By supporting mentees in thinking critically and taking ownership of their development, mentorship helps prepare them to lead teams, design studies, and contribute meaningfully to patient care and scientific discovery.

Building Networks and Opportunities

Mentorship also involves connecting mentees to broader networks. The career paths of physician-scientists often involve collaborations across hospitals, universities, biotech companies, and regulatory agencies. Introducing mentees to colleagues, professional organizations, and opportunities for research or leadership experience can open doors that would otherwise be difficult to access.

I take this responsibility seriously. I try to create opportunities for mentees to present their work, participate in leadership initiatives, and gain exposure to different aspects of medicine and biotechnology. These experiences build confidence and competence, while also fostering the sense of belonging that is so important in high-pressure careers.

The Reciprocal Nature of Mentorship

Mentorship is not one-sided. Mentors learn from mentees just as much as mentees learn from mentors. I have gained new perspectives on emerging science, technology, and leadership approaches through conversations with my mentees. Their energy, creativity, and questions often challenge my own thinking and keep me engaged as both a physician and a leader.

This reciprocal relationship is one of the reasons mentorship is so rewarding. It is not just about giving guidance. It is about building a shared learning environment where knowledge, experience, and insight flow in both directions.

As medicine and biotechnology continue to evolve, the role of mentorship will only become more critical. Physician-scientists face increasingly complex challenges, from personalized medicine to global clinical trials, regulatory hurdles, and the integration of technology in care. Guiding the next generation through these challenges requires intentionality, empathy, and a commitment to their growth.

Mentorship as medicine means treating career development with the same care we give to patients. It means listening deeply, sharing honestly, encouraging curiosity, and providing support and connection. By investing in the next generation of physician-scientists, we ensure that innovation, compassion, and leadership continue to thrive in medicine.

For me, the most meaningful impact is seeing a mentee succeed, knowing that guidance, support, and shared experience helped them along the way. That is the true measure of mentorship. It is an investment in people, in science, and in the future of medicine.