A medical mentor helps a patient with decision-making, research, physician discussions, analysis of medical bills, and other challenges the patient was not able to address alone. Your medical mentor does not need to have special healthcare-related training. The characteristics that every medical mentor I have interviewed had in common were that he or she:
(1) cared deeply for the patient and had a close relationship with him or her
(2) had the ability to influence the patient
(3) had good research and note-taking skills
(4) had good communication skills
(5) was not intimidated by the medical profession or doctors.
In analyzing your own criteria for a medical mentor, think about your own values and what is important to you…. securing a medical mentor, someone to provide you with personal support, advice, and guidance, can benefit you and your mentor. As with all of your healthcare decisions, aligning your decision making with your values will be more likely to result in the best possible healthcare for you.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
