JAMA: Mentoring in the Era of #MeToo

Julie Story Byerley, MD, MPH wrote in JAMA on what specific behaviors her male mentors have demonstrated that have always made her feel safe:

1. They demonstrate exemplary professional behavior during and outside of the work day, never compromised by alcohol consumption or flirtatious interactions.

2. They always behave comfortably but as if others are watching, demonstrating integrity.

3. Though they have warm personalities, they refrain from physical touch except in larger social settings where they may give hugs in greeting.

4. They never mention anything about my appearance or the appearance of others, and they avoid generalizing comments about gender.

5. They text me important or urgent things, and sometimes just very funny things, but never anything I wouldn’t share with my husband or their wives.

6. Most importantly, my male mentors have chosen to speak up to support women while other men have chosen to sit quietly or, worse, offend.

References:

Mentoring in the Era of #MeToo. JAMA. 2018;319(12):1199-1200. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.2128
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2676115