Wanting to pass the clinical exam while on maternity leave was the incentive that paediatric trainee, Latitia Patel needed to apply as a mentee. Spoiler alert - she passed (whoop whoop!), and through our mentorship process gained confidence managing all her commitments. Also, little known fact, she is married to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Kind of.
KŌRERO with Latitia Patel
Paediatric trainee
Hello Latitia. Can you briefly tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a paediatric trainee, currently based at Palmerston North Hospital, and married to a general surgery trainee. We are currently in the process of moving DHBs annually for his training. We also have a 19 month old, MJ.
What made you apply for a women only mentorship programme?
I was on maternity leave with a new baby, contemplating how to go about studying for my second attempt at the clinical exam. I decided I wanted to find a formalised mentor/mentee relationship to help hold myself accountable throughout my journey as I knew that would aid my success.
Have you found the process easy?
Yes. The process is explained so clearly, regular reminders, and resources from Wāhine Connect mean it’s so simple to keep on track and make progress towards goals. The flexibility really helped with the mentee mentor relationship.
What stopped you looking for a mentor prior to joining wahine connect?
I wouldn’t have known where to start. It’s a daunting process finding someone willing to act as a mentor. I would’ve hated to think I was asking too much of someone, or putting someone on the spot. The matching process takes away all that anxiety.
What would a meeting with your mentor mostly look like?
Our meetings were held over Zoom as we were based in different cities. I usually had MJ with me, and she’d love to have a chat too. Between Zoom meetings, we would email and I would keep my mentor updated on my goals and what I had been doing to progress through them.
What difference do you perceive your learning, from mentoring, has made within the workplace?
I think I’ve become more confident in my abilities and less apologetic for having commitments outside of work.
Other than cognitive and skill-based learning, what else have you developed? Any personal learning etc?
I’ve learnt a lot about myself, and how to balance my career aspirations with family life.
What has been the greatest benefit to being a mentee in the programme so far?
Passing the exam? (Just kidding…) I have learnt so much about myself and how capable I am at juggling work, motherhood, and relationships. Having someone who has had similar experiences to bounce ideas off and gain advice from was invaluable.
What would be your top tip for getting the most out of the process?
Be open with your mentor about your goals and what you want from the process. Also, be flexible. You might be surprised about what you gain from the wealth of information your mentor is sure to possess.
What would you like the rest of 2021 to have in store for you?
Last year I had a baby, started my MPH and completed my RACP exams (in that order). This year I’d like a bit more time for rest and relaxation please.
Favourite read? I’m currently addicted to the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch.
Podcast picks? The West Wing Weekly looks back at the TV series and links it into the current American political climate, and Happier by Gretchen Rubin has tips and tricks to make life a bit “happier”.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? My husband says Anna Kendrick. He’d like to be played by The Rock.
