Clinical Mentorship Program
The APSNA Clinical Mentorship Program connects motivated, less-experienced APSNA members with more-experienced APSNA members who are leaders and experts in pediatric surgery. These mentors are willing to share their expertise to promote the professional career advancement, education and personal development of others.
Mentoring is a dyadic relationship between a more experienced person (mentor) and a less experienced person (mentee). Mentoring relationships are based around developing reciprocity and accountability between each partner. The desired outcomes of this process are meeting goals, role fulfillment and self-efficacy.
Mentor
Mentors should be willing and committed to assist in the developmental growth of the mentee. The mentor’s primary purpose is to help the mentee with the mutually agreed upon goal, their role, and understanding the culture of the unit or organization of employment in a structured, yet informal way. Frequent communication offering affirmation and support will help the mentee progress through the program.
Mentee
Mentee applicants must be interested in mentorship to further their pediatric surgical career. Successful mentees are willing to assume responsibility for their own learning and growth. They seek challenging assignments and responsibilities. While they are receptive to feedback and coaching by the mentor, they also are willing to constructively give feedback. Mentees will learn to achieve a balance between their own independence and reliance on the mentor. Over time, the independence will most likely dominate, and the relationship will change. After spending time with a mentor, mentees will be empowered and inspired to make a difference in their practice.
We welcome your participation! If you feel like you would benefit from the mentorship program, please review the Succession Planning Policy and complete the appropriate APSNA mentorship on-line application form.