A Mentorship Toolkit for Teachers and Researchers in Pharmacology and Other Biomedical Sciences in Developing Countries

Abstract

Formal mentorship programs are frequently not available in higher education institutions in the less developed countries. However, the demonstrated benefits of mentoring to mentees, mentors and institutions, provide strong rationale for its more widespread application. Younger pharmacologists and other early‐career biomedical scientists (especially women), are identified primary target beneficiaries. This paper describes simple logistics (objectives, formats, guidelines for monitoring and evaluation, mentoring agreement and progress record forms, etc) that could facilitate the setting‐up of mentorship programs in resource‐poor settings. Special attention is paid to cross‐gender mentoring, including the advantages and disadvantages of women mentoring women. Application of internet resources (such as email and social media) as well as cross‐cultural mentorships are also incorporated. The output is 'A Mentorship Toolkit for Teachers and Researchers in the Biomedical Sciences in Developing Countries'; and is ready be field‐tested in practice. Although the overall goal of the current presentation is to improve Pharmacology Education across West Africa, the mentorship toolkit can readily be adapted to suit other disciplines, and be used even in the more developed world.