In contemporary medicine, the role of the anesthesiologist has become rewarding ... and complex. Specifically, anesthesiologists develop a high degree of technical skill and the ability to rapidly adapt to situations, which leads to establishing clinical credibility among perioperative coworkers. Successful anesthesiologists have a high level of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, and positive social skills) that in turn provides a solid framework for clinical success and career development (Anesth Analg 2017;124:359-61). Clinical credibility, a high degree of emotional intelligence, and keen internal motivation are the foundations on which physician leadership careers are built.
A substantial amount of traditional graduate medical education is devoted to the acquisition of technical skills and of foundational knowledge. A more recent focus of residency education has been the development of leadership traits and interpersonal skills. Part of this focus necessarily involves establishing a mentor/mentee relationship during training. Mentorship is a critical part of...
