The need for mentoring is well established in all areas of education. Within any educational system, from apprenticeships to fellowships, there is a distinct need for individual guidance. The faculty advisor has the responsibility of meeting with the resident on a regular basis and discussing the resident's performance evaluations and progress throughout the training program. In addition, advisors are also encouraged provide a desirable avenue of communication and support to their advisees. 

1. Each pediatric resident will have one faculty advisor.

2. The role of Faculty Advisor must be voluntary. Faculty should willingly mentor residents throughout their three years of training. Faculty may elect not to be a faculty advisor.

3. Past experiences with real world pediatrics is a desirable, but not exclusive, quality of a Faculty Advisor. For residents interested in subspecialty pediatrics, support from subspecialty Faculty is encouraged.

4. Advisors should be available to residents as a non-threatening "sounding board" should problems arise. Discussions between residents and advisors should be held in strictest confidence unless an advisor fears that the resident may harm him/herself or others. Advisors may counsel the resident directly or direct the resident to the proper resources for help in solving the problem.

5. Advisors and residents should meet at least thrice during the intern year. Upon request to the Program Director, advisors should have access to the resident's files including the results of resident evaluations and in-training exams. 

6. To ensure availability, Faculty Advisors may not have more than three total resident advisees.

7. Unless otherwise requested by either faculty or intern, faculty Advisors will be randomly assigned to all incoming pediatric residents by the Residency Program Director no later than July 15th of the PL-1 year. 

8. Faculty advisors for incoming PL-1s are assigned for one year. Any subsequent mentoring contacts between faculty and their advisees will be at their sole, mutual discretion. 

9. Residents may change advisors prior to the end of the first training year so long as written notification and agreement by the Faculty Advisor being replaced is provided to the Program Director and approved thereby. Residents requesting a change of Faculty Advisors must submit, in writing, the name of the new Faculty Advisor along with the latter's written and signed approval.

10. Residents should recognize, respect and appreciate their advisors. Residents are encouraged to utilize this valuable line of communication to their benefit. Residents should regularly update their advisors on their progress throughout the residency program, their educational goals and their career plans. Prior to separation, residents should submit an evaluation of their Faculty Advisors to the Program Director.

11. Neither the Residency Program Director nor the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics may serve as a Faculty Advisor.

12. In the case of faculty retirement or attrition, a pediatric resident may submit his/her request to the Residency Program Director, in writing, for a replacement Faculty Advisor along with the latter's written and signed approval. 

13. All Faculty Advisors will receive a copy of this policy and attached checklist of recommended responsibilities.