Finding your mentor
Photo: Victorian Rural Health Conference mentoring panellists (left to right): Dr Rachel Aspermont, A/Prof Robert Dawson, Dr Sophie Fontaine, Dr Timothy Walsh & MC Trikkelle Flynn
An inspiring panel of doctors shared the impact of mentoring on their career at the Victorian Rural Health Conference 2026. The panel discussion "Find my mentor & making the most of the opportunity" was led by the DR JuMP program coordinator, Trikkelle Flynn.
Panellists Dr Rachel Aspermont, A/Prof Robert Dawson, Dr Sophie Fontaine & Dr Timothy Walsh connected with the audience in an uplifting and insightful discussion. The panellists shared how they have benefited from having a mentor and how it has influenced their rural career path.
A mentor can be found in many places from a workplace to a conference or an online mentoring program such as DR JuMP. Attendees at the Victorian Rural Health Conference were encouraged to network and reminded that informal mentoring occurs when you ask a few questions over coffee, and that the DR JuMP online mentoring platform is available to sign up anytime, as a mentee, mentor or both.
It can take a few attempts to connect with the right mentor that aligns with your values and goals, and different mentors may suit different stages of your life.
The panels insights on mentorship was a powerful reminder of the impact strong role models have in shaping the next generation of medical professionals and that mentoring is important in medicine.
Photo (from left to right): DR JuMP program coordinator Trikkelle Flynn, Dr Sophie Fontaine, Dr Rachel Aspermont, A/Prof Robert Dawson & Dr Timothy Walsh at the Victorian Rural Health Conference 2026.
