A new European Society of Cardiology Mentoring Programme for young cardiovascular professionals

Training in cardiology, as with other aspects of medicine, is an apprenticeship. Historically, early-stage trainees would develop relationships with a small number of senior doctors who would provide holistic training over a number of years. In contrast, modern cardiology often results in shorter training relationship with senior doctors facilitating training against existing curricula. As a result, in modern cardiology, the development of an independent clinician requires more than the formal relationship of a trainer and trainee.1 Such relationships are required to help early-stage cardiologists develop broader skills and understanding which do not form central aspects of established curricula. Such mentoring relationships are highly valued by early-stage cardiologists,2 with data from the American College of Cardiology demonstrating a positive association between mentorship relationships and achievement of professional goals.3 For young cardiovascular professionals, mentoring serves as a bridge between academic training and practical expertise. Early-career stages often bring challenges such as integrating into clinical practice, managing research responsibilities, and building professional networks. Mentors, with their wealth of experience in the cardiovascular field, offer guidance tailored to these challenges, sharing insights on clinical decision-making, research strategies, and possible career pathways. Effective mentor–mentee interactions are not one-way relationships. Mentors can further develop their own leadership and communication skills through mentoring. Seeing mentees succeed can provide substantial personal satisfaction. Finally, in modern medicine, international perspectives can be provided by developing international mentorship relationships. Developing a successful mentoring relationship can be complex and difficult for those without an existing network to call on. In particular, identifying suitable mentors can be challenging for early-stage career cardiologists. Relying on organic relationship development can disproportionately disadvantage those from non-traditional backgrounds, and in some countries, the benefits of mentoring are not as widely available, understood, and promoted as in others. While ‘speed dating’ approaches (e.g. at events/conferences) can provide some benefit, it takes time to develop a successful, in-depth mentoring relationship, with experienced programme leaders reminding us that ‘people, not computers, create the best matches’.4 Assigning mentees to a mentor can help in some situations, the needs of mentees and the skills of mentors may not align appropriately if forced. As a result, there is a clear need for a mentorship programme that allows mentors and mentees to enjoy the freedom to select one another while fostering sustained relationships. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has launched a new mentoring platform for its individual members, which offers invaluable support, in particular to young cardiovascular professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of a dynamic and demanding field.5 Designed to promote professional growth, the platform connects emerging talent with experienced, international mentors from across all the subspecialties of cardiology, providing a structured and supportive environment for career development. The platform used is developed by PushFar, a mentoring platform specialist, and it offers ESC members a user-friendly online mentoring tool with features such as intelligent matching, goal tracking, and scheduling tools. One of the platform’s standout benefits is its focus on personalized mentorship. Mentees are matched with mentors based on their interests, goals, and areas of specialization, ensuring relevant and meaningful guidance. This personalized approach helps young professionals identify and achieve specific career objectives, whether it involves pursuing subspecialties, publishing impactful research, or excelling in patient care. It also ensures that mentors are interacting with mentees who share their interests. Additionally, the ESC mentoring platform provides a unique opportunity for mentees to expand their professional network. Through connections facilitated by mentors, young professionals can gain access to international collaborations, conferences, and research opportunities. These connections are crucial for building a reputation and establishing long-term career prospects in the global cardiovascular community. The platform also supports mentees in developing ‘soft’ skills, essential for leadership and collaboration, such as communication, time management, and resilience under pressure. Regular interaction with mentors cultivates confidence, critical thinking, and a growth-oriented mindset. By bridging the gap between knowledge and application, the ESC mentoring platform empowers young cardiovascular professionals to excel in their roles, contribute meaningfully to patient care, and drive advancements in cardiovascular medicine (Figure 1). This democratization of mentorship relationships will hopefully aid in the improvement in diversity within cardiology and cardiovascular medicine. This initiative is a testament to ESC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular health. The ESC's new mentoring programme Using the ESC mentoring platform effectively begins with setting up a detailed, honest, and accurate profile.5 When creating your account, highlight your skills, professional experience, and goals to ensure you can find mentors or mentees who align with your aspirations and values. As a mentor, you can manage your time by adjusting your profile settings to support, e.g. a maximum number of mentees at any one time, a maximum number of meetings per year (four times a year is considered ideal), and your preferred time slots. Once matched, it is the mentee’s responsibility to schedule an initial meeting with their mentor to establish expectations and discuss goals. Prepare for this meeting by reflecting on what you want from the relationship. For mentees, identify specific areas where you seek guidance, such as skill development, career transitions, or industry insights. Mentors should be ready to share their experiences, provide actionable advice, ask great questions, and encourage open dialogue. These meetings are supported by an integrated online video conference tool. Consistency is key to a successful mentorship relationship. Use the ESC Mentoring Platform’s scheduling tools to set regular check-ins and track progress towards goals. Be proactive in communicating, respecting each other’s time, and following through on agreed actions. Transparency and trust are essential, so provide honest feedback and be open to constructive criticism. Additionally, leverage the ESC mentoring platform’s other resources, such as goal-setting features and mentoring guides, to enrich your interactions. By actively engaging with the programme and fostering a collaborative, growth-focused environment, you can create meaningful mentorship relationships that drive personal and professional success for both parties. Mentorship relationships are vital for the development of well-rounded senior clinicians. However, while such relationships are of significant value, they are difficult to cultivate organically. This new ESC Mentoring Programme helps people at the earlier stages of their careers find and interact with suitable mentors from across the world, and develop the wide skill set required in modern medicine. The authors would like to thank members of the European Society of Cardiology—Young Cardiovascular Professionals Committee 2022–2024 for their help and guidance in developing the ESC Mentoring Programme. The authors would also like to thank Steve Lang, Marion Matossian, and other members of the European Society of Cardiology’s staff team for their continued assistance with the mentorship programme. All authors declare no disclosure of interest for this contribution.