In 1988, 40 senior faculty members at the Medical College of Wisconsin were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the extent and benefits of mentor relationships between faculty and residents. Seventy-eight percent thought mentor activity was feasible in their own departments; however, only 18% felt that a majority of residents in their departments had a mentor. Seventy-five percent reported having been a mentor, and 90% indicated they had a mentor either currently or previously. All 25 faculty who reported having a mentor felt that this arrangement had assisted them in their career advancement, 88% reported it had enhanced their personal development, and 72% indicated the relationship had helped them deal with stress. The mentor relationship appears to have significant benefits for the medical trainee and should be promoted.