Perspectives

In Search of a Femtor: The Complexities of Female Mentorship in Academic Medicine

Authors: Doris Lin, MD, MS

Abstract

My search for a femtor, otherwise known as a female mentor, began when I joined the faculty of a large academic medical center in my hometown approximately 6 years ago. Before that time, I already had several years of experience working in other academic institutions. The first few years out of residency, however, I never really sought out a mentor because I was a busy physician still learning how to manage patients on my own. When I started my present job, I was hired primarily as a clinician educator and planned to stay long term. 

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