Mentorship as an overlooked dimension of research capacity strengthening

How to embed value-driven practices in global health

Bibliographic Data

ID21881126
AuthorsCandice Bonaconsa (0000-0002-3773-8522, University of Cape Town), Vrinda Nampoothiri (0000-0002-8656-8769, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre), Oluchi Nneka Mbamalu (0000-0001-9121-0465, University of Cape Town), Oluchi Mbamalu (Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa), Sipho Dlamini (0000-0002-5185-7624, University of Cape Town), Surya Surendran (0000-0001-7272-0910, George Institute for Global Health), Sanjeev Singh (0000-0003-3297-147X, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre), Sanjeev K Singh (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham), Raheelah Ahmad (0000-0002-4294-7142, City, University of London), Alison H Holmes (0000-0001-5554-5743, University of Liverpool), Alison Holmes (0009-0003-7678-661X, University of Liverpool), Muneera A Rasheed (0000-0002-9064-0102, University of Bergen), Marc Mendelson (0000-0001-6668-3893, University of Cape Town), Esmita Charani (0000-0002-5938-1202, University of Liverpool, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume9
Issue1
Pagese014394
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014394
PMID38176742
OpenAlexW4390631698
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited39

Mentorship in global health remains an overlooked dimension of research partnerships. Commitment to effective mentorship models requires value-driven approaches. This includes having an understanding of (1) what mentorship means across different cultural and hierarchical boundaries in the health research environment, and (2) addressing entrenched power asymmetries across different aspects including funding, leadership, data and outputs, and capacity strengthening. Existing guidance towards equity and sustainability fails to inform how to navigate complex relationships which hinder effective mentorship models. We focus this perspective piece on human capacity strengthening in research partnerships through mentorship. Using a case study of a research partnership, we describe the lessons learnt and the challenges faced in the mentor mentee relationship while maintaining an effective and sustainable partnership. Human capacity strengthening must research projects and collaborations, and recognise local leadership and ownership. To be transformative and effective, practices need to be driven by common values across research teams

Capacity building · Engineering ethics · General partnership · Medical education · Mentorship · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Sustainability · Transformational leadership · Transformative learning · Computer Science · Engineering · Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units · Global Health and Surgery · Health Sciences Research and Education · Medicine