SUCCESSFUL MENTOR OF FEBRUARY

Dr. Karen Gelmon, MD, FRCP(C)

Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Medical Oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency

Why is Dr. Karen Gelmon the Successful Mentor of the Month for February?

Dr. Karen Gelmon has been a positive role model for women oncologists through her many leadership positions. She won the YWCA Woman of Distinction award in 2003. She is dedicated to her patients and to research and has a vision that continues to move this field forward. In addition to her clinical experience, Dr. Gelmon also has a strong academic background. She carries an international voice through her position as Co-Chair of the NCIC Clinical Trials Group Breast Site Committee. Dr. Gelmon also sits on the Board of the BC Cancer Foundation and on the Medical Advisory Board of the BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as well as the International Advisory Board of The Lancet, The Lancet Oncology and Clinical Breast Cancer.

"In addition to her many accomplishments, Karen is a fantastic role model for networking", says Dr. Christine Simmons, "She has helped to promote WinC internationally at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and has been a strong advocate for the development of this not-for-profit". Congratulations for being mentor of the month and a positive role model for us all!

Notable Accomplishments in February

Dr. Frances Shepherd – Recipient of the British Thoracic Oncology Group International Award for Contribution to Lung Cancer Research.

Congratulations Dr. Shepherd for your newest accomplishment!

Nominate a Mentor, Mention an Accomplishment for Next Month!
WinC provides a platform to increase visibility of amazing mentors on an international level. If you have someone in mind that has been an amazing mentor to you or people you know OR you have reached a new accomplishment, please email Audrey Wong, the new PM for WinC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by February 24th.

ARTICLE RECOMMENDATION

Reconceptualizing Mentoring at Work: A Developmental Network Perspective
Academy of Management Review 2001, Vol. 26, No. 2, 264-288.

By: Monica C. Higgins and Kathy E. Kram

Networking no longer should focus solely on a 2-dimensional relationship where there is one mentee seeking advice from one mentor. With the globalization of the work force, it is becoming imperative that mentees find a network of mentors across organizations in order to experience diversity in the ever changing world. This article discusses the importance of both formal mentor-mentee relationships as well as informal relationships with individuals in a broader and more diverse network of mentors. The benefits of mentorship are usually measured through objective success such as career advancement, but also should also be measured through overall personal satisfaction in one’s career. By having more than one mentor, it helps balance out one’s career and work towards providing a stronger support foundation for the work force.