Abstract
This paper addressed the similarities and differences between mentoring and supervising in an academic setting. It explores the mentoring and supervisory activities in the training of an Otorhinolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon in Nigeria. Training in the science and art of Otorhinolaryngology Head-and-Neck Surgery involves a teaching and learning process between a person with knowledge, skills, and competence, and a person without such knowledge, skills nor competences. In this process it is necessary to evolve the relationship of mentor and mentee or a supervisor and supervisee. The paper’s methodology relied on published works, personal interactions with trainers and trainee and personal experience over many years of teaching in the university and tertiary health facilities. It concluded that overlap exists between the roles of mentors and supervisors. Mentors have wide vested interest in caring for an individual's success and long-term development holistically. Supervisors provide direction and enforcement to successful completion of tasks.