Bruce R. Bistrian Nutrition Mentorship Award Lecture: From Mentorship to Stewardship: Building the Next Generation of Clinical Nutrition (M30)

Clinical nutrition is inherently interprofessional, and effective mentorship should be as well. Drawing on experiences as both a mentee and mentor, this lecture will explore how mentorship across professions and career stages can create opportunities, develop independent leaders, strengthen teams, and ultimately improve patient care. Through examples from clinical nutrition, research, and multidisciplinary nutrition support, the presentation will examine the evolution from mentorship to sponsorship and ultimately stewardship. Particular attention will be given to recognizing potential regardless of professional title, creating meaningful opportunities for others, providing autonomy while remaining available, and developing an environment in which people can succeed. The lecture will also explore how mentorship changes the mentor and how investing in people can create an impact extending far beyond an individual career.

• Describe how interprofessional mentorship can promote professional development, collaboration, scholarship, and improved patient care in clinical nutrition.
• Identify practical strategies for effective mentorship, including recognizing potential, creating opportunities, providing appropriate autonomy, and supporting mentees across professions and career stages.
• Explain how mentorship can evolve into stewardship, extending its impact from individual mentees to teams, organizations