The rewards of becoming a GP mentor with the RCGP

Two years ago, I was a newly qualified GP feeling overwhelmed by independent practice. Today, I'm helping other GPs navigate the same challenges while discovering unexpected benefits for my own career. Here's why becoming an RCGP mentor transformed not just my mentee's journey, but my own.

Dr Gbenga Periola is a Portfolio GP with a keen interest in medical education. He discusses his motivations for becoming a GP mentor as part of the RCGP Mentoring programme and his journey so far.

Why I became a mentor

Having completed my training in January 2023, I felt the need to have a mentor who could guide and support me. I signed up for a fellowship programme with the training hub in Coventry and was assigned a mentor as part of the programme. This was a game-changer in my early career days.

It's said 'to whom much is given much is expected', so I felt the need to be a mentor to other colleagues, more so GP trainees and newly qualified GPs. I came across the RCGP mentor platform and I realised that it enabled me to do this, so I signed up and I have been supporting a GP trainee in his STI training since.

I also do not see it as a one-way platform, as the RCGP mentor programme allows me to connect with other colleagues who can serve as a mentor to me.

The unexpected skills I gained

It has enabled me to use my leadership skills to provide support to a colleague. Beyond this, I feel a sense of purpose when I do what I love, and my mentee feels the time spent is valuable. Moreover, the networking opportunities, and getting to meet new people, is great for me.

I also gained a lot from the preparatory materials provided on the platform, which enabled me to structure my approach and improved my organisational skills.

Real moments that make it worthwhile

One might think that the mentee is the main person who benefits from the programme, but I have realised that it has enhanced my communication and leadership skills a lot. This has transferred to my workplace where I can naturally provide guidance and support to colleagues.

My mentees have taught me as much as I've taught them. One showed me a brilliant audit template; another introduced me to a time-management app that's revolutionised my admin.

What I’d wish I’d known before starting

I advise as many people as possible to take up the role of a mentor, if this interests you of course. I have realised this is an area that can greatly improve our productivity and help us form healthy relationships which can be valuable for life.