Whether you are a new graduate entering clinical practice or a veteran having been in clinical practice for 30 years, I am sure that there have been times when you have felt the need to “phone a friend” or, even more, to maintain a continued engagement with someone who is an expert regarding an issue that you are facing and is someone you trust.

One of the business buzzwords of the day is the concept of a “leadership coach”—often spun in a way to “help you and your organization reach the maximum potential.” While there is some truth to this, I am not convinced that it isn’t all that different from a good, old-fashioned mentor.

Over the years, I am thankful that I have had many invaluable mentors for varying facets of my life. I can think of mentors in my advanced clinical training, mentors in my research training, mentors who taught me how to navigate academic life, and mentors who helped me in my role with Contact Lens Spectrum. I’ve also had mentors who have helped me in my personal life. And, thinking back, I could not have made the strides that I have made without each of these truly important people in my life at just the right moment. American politician John C. Crosby once said that “A mentor is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction,” and I could not think of a better way to envision a mentor for your professional life.

As 2017 comes to a close, we at Contact Lens Spectrum wish you all the best during the Holiday Season!