The UWA Medical School has provided the Clinical Mentoring program for over 20 years, matching clinical doctors to medical students for the course duration. 

As one of the most challenging courses in tertiary education, Mentoring Program Director, Dr Paul McGurgan appreciates that medical students can be challenged by the clinical situations they encounter.

“Alongside guidance and support, students develop professional skills and relationships, as well as professional behaviours,” he said.

“Mentors provide their opinion on their mentee’s progress to ensure students have adequate support, and are developing appropriate professional behaviours and attitudes through completing the relevant year interview record.”

The Dunne family comprise of three Medical School alumni who are all enthusiastic contributors to the program. 

Dr Michael Dunne (MBBS '16) is currently a 3rd year psychiatry trainee due to begin advanced training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in February. 

Having had an extremely positive experience of clinical mentoring during medical school, he felt that he wanted to ‘pay it forward’ and apply for the clinical mentoring role. 

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching medical students as a doctor on the job, and clinical mentoring allows ongoing support for a medical student outside of clinical placements and directed by the student themselves,” Dr Dunne said. 

“The lack of graded marks promotes less of a hierarchical structure between doctor and medical student which can happen in clinical placements.”

Left to right: Dr Sandy Dunne, Dr Michael Dunne and Dr John Dunne.

Alongside structured assignment feedback, relaxed discussions about medical school and working as a doctor as a whole, Dr Dunne says he is guided by the individual. 

This is initially on navigating assignments, rather than towards getting the most out of clinical placements, and finally discussing the process of working as a doctor as they approach graduation.

The role of the mentor is a time honoured practice, giving someone the opportunity to create themselves, generously sharing time, expertise and insights to nurture potential, often personally and professionally. 

“Mentors are also typically enthusiastic about their field, and ready to encourage others,” Dr Dunne said.

This can be helpful in the formal meetups, but also having the opportunity to drop a line if the student is struggling, or just seeking advice or a debrief about their experiences. 

“It is because of Dr Creagh (MBBS '82, MHPEd '19), my own mentor, that I felt inspired to become a mentor myself, and through the program I aspire to offer as good an experience as I personally had to medical students for years to come.”

Dr Sandy Dunne graduated from UWA in 1982. After her internship at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, she joined the Family Medicine Program, and worked in teaching hospitals in Perth for a further 2 years. 

In 2005, Dr Dunne joined UWA as a senior lecturer, continuing to tutor across a variety of disciplines.

“There are many different avenues through which students receive encouragement, guidance and support, and the mentoring program is an important part of this,” Dr Dunne said.

“I am still in touch with many of the students I have mentored over the years, and it has been very rewarding to follow their careers.”

Dr John Dunne (MBBS ‘77), is a Clinical Professor at UWA and trained in neurology in Perth and at Mayo Clinic, USA. 

As a clinical mentor, Dr Dunne said students are the future of health care and deserve to have all the support we can provide. 

“I try to listen, be supportive and encouraging, and provide perspectives on life and its uncertainties, both within medicine and in general,” he said.

“From my own mentors, I recognised that it is a strength and not a weakness to ask for help and support, because learning never stops.”

If you’re ready to share your wisdom and help someone else discover their potential, mentoring may be your opportunity. 
Email us for more information on becoming a clinical mentor.