A National Institutes of Health-funded structured mentoring program for health sciences researchers has the qualities of traditional mentoring relationships, but it is shaped by the aims, activities, and length of each grant. Effective participation requires organization, focus, and self-direction on the part of proteges and expertise, altruism,…

Peer-mentored collaborative-research groups promote collegial partnerships, maximize members' expertise, and enhance skill development. Such a work group needs a common philosophy and group goals; it should evolve as a group entity and monitor group processes. (SK)