Formal and Informal Mentoring as Pathways to Leadership Competency Development Among Physician Associates in Federally Qualified Health Centers

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study explored how formal and informal mentoring influence leadership competency development among physician associates practising in United States Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Data were collected through an anonymous online survey and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: leadership competency development, structural barriers in FQHC leadership development, and relational mentoring and leadership confidence. Findings suggest that mentoring supports leadership confidence, professional identity, and competency growth, while organisational constraints may limit access to structured development. The study contributes to evidence-based mentoring practice by highlighting mentoring as a workforce leadership development strategy in safety-net healthcare settings.