I interviewed many patients while I writing my upcoming book. Most of them spoke about one person in particular who helped them through their illness, a medical mentor. This person was not the spouse or domestic partner (who usually focused on providing emotional support), although this individual often was a family member. This mentor helped the patient with decision-making, research, physician discussions, analysis of medical bills, and other challenges the patient was not able to address alone. In each case, these helpers served a more comprehensive role to the patient, a mentoring role.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines mentor as “an experienced and trusted advisor.” The “trusted advisor” part of this definition is probably most important. Whether a mentor is a healthcare professional may be irrelevant. In the interviews I conducted, sometimes the mentors were healthcare professionals who were able to use their healthcare knowledge to simplify information from the healthcare provider. In most cases, though, the mentors were not healthcare professionals. That lack of expertise, however, was not an issue. Many of the mentors had experiences similar to the patient’s. Some had a knack for analyzing information and communicating with doctors. Many patients feel at a disadvantage when communicating with doctors about health issues. Sickness may create an even greater imbalance in the physician-patient relationship.
Some hospital programs have now established formal medical mentor programs. Many people use medical mentors, even though they may not use that term. Having a medical mentor to lend support and guidance can be life saving.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
