Mentorship has the power to change lives—and I know this not only from witnessing it in others but from experiencing it myself. As someone who has journeyed through the challenges and triumphs of education, training, and professional growth, I now find myself in a season where giving back feels not just fulfilling, but essential. I want to mentor students—future clinicians—because I believe that knowledge should not be hoarded; it should be shared, multiplied, and transformed into something greater in the hands of the next generation.
Mentorship as a Bridge
When I reflect on my own academic and professional path, I can clearly identify pivotal moments shaped by extraordinary mentors—Dr. K, Dr. O, Dr. Z, Drs. C, and Dr. G. These individuals didn’t just teach me medicine—they shaped the way I see patients, approach challenges, and carry myself in this profession. They saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. Their belief in me became the bridge between my potential and my progress. I want to be that bridge for someone else.
Guiding the Whole Person, Not Just the Career
Mentorship isn’t only about career advice or professional connections—it’s about developing confidence, character, and clarity of purpose. Whether I’m mentoring a future clinician just starting out or someone refining their path, I want to support their growth as both competent healthcare providers and thoughtful individuals. It’s not just about what they want to do, but about who they are becoming in the process.
The journey into medicine is demanding, nuanced, and at times overwhelming. Having a mentor can make that path more manageable and meaningful. I want to help students trust their instincts, embrace their learning curves, and see challenges not as obstacles, but as powerful turning points.
Mentorship also offers something that’s often overlooked: protection against burnout and cynicism. Medicine can be heavy. The weight of responsibility, the pace, the emotional toll—it accumulates. A mentor can help lighten that load, offering perspective, encouragement, and reminders of why this work matters in the first place. By being a sounding board and a steady presence, I hope to help mentees stay grounded, hopeful, and connected to the joy that brought them to healthcare in the first place.
Medicine is a great field—deeply meaningful and incredibly rewarding. But sometimes it’s hard to see that clearly when you’re in the thick of it. I hope that my mentorship serves as a steady reminder of the purpose, beauty, and privilege that exist within this work.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Mentoring is not a one-way street—it’s a cycle. Every student I invest in today has the potential to one day mentor someone else. That ripple effect is what drives me. By offering my time, perspective, and experience, I’m contributing to a larger legacy—one where support and knowledge continue to be passed forward.
Each time I help a student find their voice, clarify their goals, or take a brave step forward, I’m reminded why this matters. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Showing up consistently, with empathy and honesty, can be transformative.
Final Thoughts
I want to mentor future clinicians because I believe in their potential. I believe that mentorship can be the key that unlocks confidence, direction, and purpose. And I believe that we rise by lifting others.
I am who I am today—both as a person and as a dermatologist—because of mentors like Dr. K, Dr. O, Dr. Z, Drs. C, and Dr. G. Their guidance left a lasting mark on my journey, and it’s now my turn to pass that light forward.
To every student out there looking for support: know that you’re not alone. And to every professional considering the call to mentor: your experience might be the spark that helps someone else find their way.
About the Author
Dr. Anh Pham, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of CutisCo Dermatology. He is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and is passionate about making dermatology more accessible, inclusive, and compassionate for all. Through his work at CutisCo and his dedication to mentorship, Dr. Pham aims to create lasting, positive change—empowering future clinicians and expanding access to care in a way that leaves a meaningful impact on both individual lives and the world at large.
Your words captured something I’ve long believed but have rarely seen articulated so beautifully, that mentorship isn’t just about shaping careers; it’s about shaping people.
Good mentorship is also worth emulating. It helps shape great leaders.
Thank you.