EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY SKILLS

Abstract

Clinical supervision has a vital role in postgraduate medical education. It not only develops competencies of the trainees but also enhances clinical exposure. Academic supervisors are custodians whose role is to maintain principles of training for all stages of trainees in their fields.

The tough trainee is the beginner who takes up a disparate amount of the supervisor’s time. This includes beginners with behavior problems,
communication problems, unworkable expectations or victimization tendencies, and outspreads to trainees with grave psychiatric illness.

An efficient supervisor is able to teach and facilitate his trainees rather than being threatening and should provide career guidance. Mentoring is an important lacking link in the current medical system. An evidence-based mentorship program should be formulated which suits the basic needs of the trainees and clearly identifies the roles of the mentors. Mentors should engage his trainees in workshops, lectures, group discussion and group presentations and should encourage to be the part of the team, promote optimal practices, enhance productivity and encourage collegiality by sharing his knowledge and expertise. He should help in retaining through sequential opportunities and support in continuous building and expanding professional skills.