Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases in Africa: A Mentorship and Leadership Workshop Report
Date
2022
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Abstract
Introduction: Few structured mentoring programs target early-stage investigators in Africa, creating a gap in mentorship skills
where HIV burden is greatest. We describe findings from a Nigeria-based workshop for early-career physician scientists to build
mentoring and leadership capacity in HIV and noncommunicable disease research.
Methods: Baseline surveys captured participant demographics, confidence in implementing mentoring competencies, and
perceived importance of workshop training domains. The workshop included didactic presentations, small group activities, and
interactive discussions. Daily surveys evaluated sessions, and postworkshop surveys solicited overall course impressions.
Results: Of the 33 participants, most were male (n = 21, 63.6%) and from medicine, laboratory sciences, and surgical specialties.
“Building mentees’ confidence” and “setting mentees’ research goals” were ranked as areas where participants most believed they
needed training. Sessions were rated favorably across five areas. Greatest improvements in mean scores were for confidence in
identifying personal temperament styles, describing mentoring and leadership theories/frameworks, and developing mentoring
plans. Additional identified workshop strengths were content relevance, leadership case series, interactive nature, and collegial
atmosphere. All respondents indicated learning something new/useful/helpful in each session. At 6-month postworkshop, most
respondents (25 of 26, 96%) had replicated or plan to replicate parts of the workshop in their departments/institutions.
Discussion: Effective mentoring training initiatives targeting future academic leaders have the potential to create skilled
academicians who can impart mentoring skills and competencies to their mentees.