Rinad S. Beidas

Mentor Spotlight

The ABCT Academic Training and Education Standards committee annually solicits nominations for the “Spotlight on a Mentor” recognition to highlight the diversity of excellent mentors within the membership ranks of ABCT. Its goal is to spotlight promising early-career and well-established mentors across all levels of academic rank, areas of specialization, and types of institution. We asked the four 2022 winners to share some wisdom related to their own influential mentors, their mentorship philosophy, and advice for mentees and aspiring mentors. Learn more below, and you can find more information online: ABCT Mentor Spotlights

Dr. Rinad S. Beidas is Chair and Ralph Seal Paffenbarger Professor of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Rinad’s research leverages insights from implementation science to make it easier for clinicians, leaders, and organizations to transform the quality and equity of care. As an internationally recognized scientist, Rinad has published over 250 peer-reviewed publications and has served as MPI or PI of 11 NIH grants totaling approximately 31 million dollars. Rinad deeply enjoys the meaning and joy that comes from collaborating with her early career colleagues and watching them soar in whatever path they choose.

Response:

To me, mentorship is one of the most meaningful responsibilities that I have as a faculty person. I have been so lucky to have exceptional mentors and sponsors in my career I see it as my responsibility to support the next generation of colleagues who will do paradigm shifting work in the area of implementation science across a range of content areas.

In mentorship, I strive to balance the relational aspects of mentorship with developing a tailored individual roadmap to ensure that mentees achieve their professional development goals. My previous mentees are now engaged in a variety of roles and responsibilities including tenure-stream positions, leading implementation practice efforts in policy and/or non-profit settings, leading evidence-based clinical programs, and delivering evidence-based care. I see it as an honor to walk alongside mentees as they develop their roadmap and as my responsibility to support them in reaching their professional goals, whatever they might be.

I strive to approach mentorship with the values of transparency, equity, inclusion, enthusiasm, humility, and collaboration.

As for advice:

First, mentorship is a two-way street. Mentors get so much out of the mentorship experience. I have learned so much from my mentees and am so grateful for the meaningful expertise and new learnings they bring to our team.

Second, no one person can meet all of your needs. Assemble a mentorship team and know what strengths each mentor brings.

Third, be explicit about expectations and communication often and early.

Fourth, be proactive and know what you need from your mentorship team to maximize effectiveness.