One-on-One Mentoring Program

The AAHPM College of Palliative Care's One-on-One Mentoring Program provides an opportunity for students, residents, fellows, junior faculty and mid-career faculty to speak personally with a senior mentor at the AAHPM/HPNA Annual Assembly. Mentors and mentees are matched based upon mutual interests and expectations. Mentor-mentee pairs should make independent arrangements for mutually-agreeable meeting times and places.

Mentees

Mentees should prepare for meeting with their mentors by developing a clear agenda and articulating specific questions about their current professional situation. This program is particularly helpful for those who are at a turning point, looking for a new challenge or a change in career. Mentees and mentors may discuss issues related to the mentee's professional development, including works in progress; clinical, educational, investigative, or administrative career paths; and balancing family and work priorities. Mentors are strongly encouraged to attend their mentees' presentations during the annual meeting so that they can provide feedback. The mentor pairs will develop specific strategies to address career goals and, after the initial meeting, they have the option of continuing their relationship.

Mentors

Medicine
Education and clinical practice mentors should have at least 5 years of experience beyond residency or fellowship training. Research mentors should have completed formal research training and be actively involved in a program of hospice or palliative care-focused research.

Nursing
Education mentors should have a masters degree and a primary position in nursing education over the last 5 years as a staff educator or in academia. Clinical practice mentors should be advanced practice nurses who have been in a clinical position over the last 3 years. Research mentors should have a PhD and be actively involved in research or have their own program of research.

Social Work
Education mentors should have a MSW or PhD/DSW with at least 5 years of experience teaching in the area of palliative care and end-of-life issues. Clinical practice mentors should have a MSW and/or PhD/DSW with at least 5 years of post-MSW clinical experience. Research mentors should have a PhD or DSW with at least 5 years of post-degree research experience. Administrative mentors should have a MSW or PhD with at least 5 years of post-MSW experience in an administrative position.