CHESA Fellowship Mentor and Mentee Interview: Drs. Sabatini and Nassaazi

In the “Mentor and Mentee Interview” featuring Drs. Sabatini and Nasaazi, the discussion centers on the incredible impact of mentorship within the CHESA Fellowship program. Key topics include mentorship dynamics, balancing guidance with autonomy, effective mentor-mentee matching, proactive mentorship, and collaborative learning.

To start, Dr. Nasaazi reflects on how mentorship has been instrumental in her professional journey, noting that while she initially didn’t recognize her need for guidance, the support from Dr. Sabatini has been invaluable. She emphasizes that mentorship is essential for providing direction, offering constructive feedback, and fostering personal and professional growth. Their pairing was facilitated by the fact that they had already been working together, emphasizing the importance of shared interests and mutual respect as a base in establishing successful mentor-mentee relationships.

Drs. Sabatini and Nasaazi discuss several considerations for a successful mentorship. This includes managing different time zones and scheduling meetings at mutually convenient times which demonstrates a level of dedication needed to maintain a meaningful mentorship connection. 

They also explore the balance between guidance and autonomy, with Dr. Sabatini emphasizing the importance of understanding each mentee’s unique aspirations and goals, and doing so by engaging in open conversations about the mentee’s individual objectives. 

Additionally, they discuss the importance of being proactive in both mentoring and being mentored, where both should take initiative. Mentees should proactively seek guidance, and mentors should be responsive and engaged. Dr. Nasaazi emphasizes how vital a proactive approach is in a field as demanding as medicine, where mentorship is crucial for professional development.

Although their mentorship experience has been highly positive, Dr. Nasaazi also shares her experiences receiving guidance from various faculty members within the CHESA Fellowship. She discusses how these interactions, though not formal mentorships, have played an important part in her learning journey. 

This interview emphasizes the powerful role of mentorship in the CHESA Fellowship program, highlighting how guidance and collaborative relationships can contribute to the development of future leaders in global surgery and anesthesia.

For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM-UWGpF_00