Mentorship is often described as the cornerstone of a successful medical career. But how do you sift through advice, figure out who to trust, and ensure you’re making decisions that truly benefit you? At Lucens, we believe that mentorship is not just about listening—it’s about critically evaluating and applying advice to align with your goals.
This week, we got this question from a member of our community and asked Omar Shakir, MD, a physician who opened his private practice straight out of fellowship, to share his insights on mentorship and the advice that has shaped his journey.
Question:
If you were advising someone early in their career, how would you guide them to find mentors and make the most of their advice?
– Submitted by S.T., Atlanta
Omar:
When I decided to open my own practice straight out of fellowship, I knew it wasn’t the typical path. Most people spend time working for a larger organization or another physician to get comfortable before they branch out. I skipped that step, which meant I needed advice—lots of it—to figure things out.
What I found is that everyone was willing to give advice, but not all of it was helpful or in my best interest. A lot of it reflected their own motivations, not mine. For example, many seasoned physicians are invested in preserving a system that benefits them. That system often relies on younger, less experienced doctors to come in, do the heavy lifting, and allow them to work less while making more money. It’s not necessarily wrong—someday I’ll probably want to do the same. But when I was starting out, I had to recognize that their advice wasn’t always about what was best for me. It was about keeping that system going.
I realized quickly that you can’t rely on a single mentor. You need to gather advice from multiple people. The more perspectives you collect, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decisions for yourself. But it’s also important to think critically about what you hear.
Ask yourself:
- Why is this person giving me this advice?
- What’s their motivation?
- Does this align with my goals?
You can’t just take someone’s word for it and charge ahead like a soldier following orders. You have to be the general of your own army, drawing on the experience of others to create your strategy.
At the same time, you need to show respect for anyone who takes the time to give you advice, even if it’s self-serving. They’re offering their time, and that’s valuable. Be professional and grateful. You don’t have to challenge them directly—just listen respectfully, then sift through their input later to figure out what works for you.
For me, there wasn’t a single mentor who shaped my career. It was an amalgamation of voices, each offering unique perspectives. I learned to take what worked, leave what didn’t, and build a path that aligned with my goals. That’s how I made it work, and I think it’s the best approach for anyone navigating their own journey.
The Bottom Line
Mentorship isn’t about finding one person with all the answers—it’s about creating a network of advisors and evaluating their advice critically. By seeking multiple perspectives, staying curious, and aligning the input you receive with your goals, you can build a career that’s uniquely your own.
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