Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to fostering the highest quality mentoring of its postdoctoral trainees. A successful postdoctoral training experience requires regular candid communication between mentor and trainee about both the progress of research projects as well as career development. The "Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors," developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), describes many important elements in building a strong postdoctoral/mentor relationship. Conversations about shared expectations should take place at the start of training.
At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, an annual meeting between mentor and trainee is required, prior to the annual renewal of appointment. The objectives of this annual meeting are to review the progress of the trainee's research project, to discuss the trainee's career goals, and to evaluate his or her progress toward developing the skills and accomplishments necessary to achieve those goals. Suggested topics for this conversation are provided, and may be used at the discretion of the trainee.
A form signed by both the mentor and trainee, which indicates that this annual meeting has occurred, must be returned to the Office of Academic Administration when submitting a reappointment or termination form.
For more detailed information, see the documents listed below.
