Effective mentoring in the academic biomedical sciences: a collaborative effort that takes a village

It not only takes a village to train for a career in academic science and research, but it also takes a village to be a successful scientist and mentor throughout your career. What defines a good mentor, and how does one establish a good mentor-mentee relationship? Insight into the mentor-mentee relationship involves several key factors that, when combined with a passion for mentoring, can lead to one of the most rewarding components of a career in academic research and science. However, a successful mentor-mentee relationship also requires a collaborative effort. Mentoring involves a clear understanding of the role of the mentor and the mentee, with the mentee playing a proactive role in setting goals and taking ownership of their professional development.