Mentees' Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, you will be linked to more than one Mentor sharing a small group of Mentees. These matches are usually coordinated by the OCFP team based on the region where you practice or where you live.

Typically, your Mentor(s) will reach out to welcome you to the Network and get the relationship off to a good start with some important initial discussions. However, many Mentees choose to initiate contact with their Mentors to get the Mentoring process underway. Often Mentees initiate contact seeking support around clinical or practice challenges.

Your Mentor will be available by email, phone, at small group meetings and on EENet Connect (the Portal). You are encouraged to log on to EENet Connect regularly to take part in Network discussions and to connect with other Mentees and Mentors who can provide helpful insights on clinical issues.

Your Mentor will support you in developing new skills and help you to gain a better awareness of resources. It is intended that your Mentor’s support through a collegial, safe space will help you gain confidence about clinical issues at the point of care and (depending on the network) practice-related issues as well.

You can use the online community of practice to access Mentors across your Network. If you have a specific question or if you need expertise in a specific area that is outside your Network, you can contact the OCFP Program Coordinators and they would be able to provide you with a contact name or assist you if you need to join a new Mentoring Network.

Yes.

You must not use patient identifiers in communications with your Mentor. Formal written consent would be required to do so.

Yes. Where discussions are focused on clinical cases both Mentees and Mentors must keep adequate and confidential records. You can use the patient chart (paper or electronic) to record interactions with your Mentor and to record your Mentor’s suggestions/advice. Additionally, emails and threads from the online community of practice can also be used as clinical documentation. Your Mentor uses a Mentor Log provided by the OCFP to record his/her interaction with you.

The Mentoring relationship is not meant to be an emergency service. You should keep in mind that if you have urgent cases where you require assistance, your Mentor is not obligated to respond immediately.

Your colleague can contact us online to get information on how to join the Network.

You can earn up to 15 credits per year under Mainpro+.

There is no set time to become a Mentor. It will depend on your area of expertise and your confidence level. If you are interested in applying to become a Mentor, please contact OCFP Program Coordinators.

The OCFP looks for the following characteristics in potential mentors:

• Ability to engage in a collegial manner
• Experience working with community clinicians
• Experience acting/working as a mentor
• Clinical skills or clinical expertise

If you are interested in applying, please contact OCFP Program Coordinators.

Yes. You may inform patients that you are engaged in a mentoring relationship and will be seeking consultation from time to time. You must obtain informed consent from your patient if you will be giving identifying information to your Mentor. However, we typically recommend getting patient consent if you plan on seeking advice from your small group or the online community of practice where you can post an anonymous case.

There is no cost associated with joining the OCFP Mentoring Networks. The Networks are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario College of Family Physicians.

The Palliative and End of Life Care and Medical Assistance in Dying Networks are open to nurse practitioners and pharmacists in addition to physicians. Family physicians are the target audience for the other networks.

The OCFP Mentoring Networks are only open to physicians who are resident in Ontario. There are similar mentoring networks in British Columbia and the Maritimes. Please contact OCFP staff if you need more information or an introduction to the Networks in these regions.

Please contact OCFP Program Coordinators to find out more about the availability of mentorship in your region. You can expect a response in two business days or sooner.