Strategies for Successful Long-Distance Mentoring

Abstract

Mentorship offers benefits to both the mentee and mentor in terms of professional development and productivity. It can take many forms and is not limited to mentee-mentor pairs that are employed at the same institution. Mentoring relationships that span institutions offer an avenue for expanding one's professional network beyond the local environment. We refer to this type of mentorship as "long-distance mentoring." We offer four critical strategies and reflections for successful long-distance mentoring based on our experience in the AAHB Research Scholars Mentorship Program.