Development and Testing of a Mentoring Model for Resident Physicians in the Clinical Practice of the Institute

Mentoring is often viewed in terms of its benefits for mentees. However, we must understand the benefits and challenges from the perspective of mentors. Higher education institutions and research organizations recognize the importance of peer mentoring in preparing residents for the transition from academia to clinical practice. However, there is limited research examining mentees’ perceptions of mentors.
The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of perception, interaction, and professional development among participants in mentoring relationships in the healthcare system.
Methods. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at the M.M. Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases. Fourteen residents participating in the peer mentoring program were recruited for the study. Data collection was conducted from December 2024 to January 2026. Face-to-face group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide; written feedback was collected; and a thematic analysis was conducted. The study received ethical approval.
Results. Physician mentors experienced personal and professional growth alongside their mentees through mentoring interactions and self-reflection.
Conclusions. This study provides insights into the experiences and perceptions of mentoring among physician residents, consistent with existing research. Overcoming the challenges faced by mentors requires faculty support, such as resource provision and mentor-mentee matching. In physician resident training programs, peer mentoring is critical for effective learning and professional development. Academic institutions and research organizations should implement formal mentor-mentee matching to foster constructive professional connections. Studying how mentors integrate their mentoring after completing their training can shed light on its positive impact on patient care in their clinical practice. Future research should focus on different groups of young specialists and utilize longitudinal studies to gain insight into the evolution of mentoring and its long-term impact. Thus, the experience gained through mentoring is an important milestone. Mentoring programs can significantly improve residents both personally and professionally, ensuring they become better specialists in ophthalmology and healthcare in general.

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