In the absence of physician mentorship, who will train the next generation of primary care clinicians?

In a compelling op-ed featured on KevinMD.com, Dr. Kenneth Botelho, founding director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at The College of St. Scholastica, raises concern about the erosion of physician mentorship in the healthcare system. This issue is increasingly critical as the landscape of primary care evolves.

He highlights that while extensive discussions have centered around physician burnout and workforce shortages, the significant void left in clinical mentorship, particularly affecting physician associates (PAs), remains largely overlooked. Citing his firsthand experience as a PA educator, Dr. Botelho notes in the op-ed, “I regularly hear from students and early-career PAs who are hungry for guidance in medical decision-making and navigating the ethical, emotional and systemic pressures of clinical practice.” Many of these emerging professionals find themselves in challenging roles with minimal supervision and high productivity expectations, leading to increased vulnerability to burnout and clinical errors.

Rather than advocating for a return to the outdated system, Dr. Botelho emphasized the need for innovative solutions, suggesting that “we must create new structures of support and advanced clinical training that reflect the current reality.” He identifies postgraduate PA fellowships as promising but underutilized resources that can help bridge mentorship gaps in high-demand specialties such as primary care and psychiatry. Moreover, he proposes that DMSc programs can support these fellowships. “They offer a platform to expand clinical competence and cultivate the next generation of clinical mentors,” he explains.

The College of St. Scholastica is committed to addressing these challenges through its DMSc program, fostering the development of advanced practice providers who are not only equipped with clinical skills but also prepared to lead and innovate within the healthcare system.