What Is a Mentor? Social Representations about the Tutor's Role Among Medical Faculty During the Selection Process

Abstract: In the selection of medical professors for the Tutorial Program at the Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMUSP), representation about the future role were explored in a subgroup. The social representation given were classified and analyzed through two aspects: 1) the symmetrical or asymmetrical characteristics of the tutor-student relationship and 2) the tutor's area of performance (broad or strictly academic). Asymmetrical relationships prevailed in the associations produced, especially those referring to professional roles (advisor and counselor) and affective-familiar roles (especially the father figure). Symmetrical relationships emphasized proximity support availability, and friendship between tutors and students. There was little mention of negative aspects of the tutor role (discipline, repression). No statistical difference was found between men and women in any of the categories. However, male teachers tended to emphasize professional roles (especially counselor and advisor), while women prioritized affective-familiar roles. In the symmetrical relationships, professors emphasized proximity, support and help. Negative aspects associated with the tutor's role were mentioned less frequently in the group as a whole. The tutor's performance was considered to be broad for most professors, i.e., focused on both academic and personal life.