What is the SMA PIT Mentoring Program?

The SMA Physicians-in-Training (PIT) Mentoring Program aims to foster development and growth of both established-physician or physician-in-training mentors and physician-in-training mentees through promoting genuine long-term relationships between individuals with differing levels of experience in the medical field. The SMA is the perfect environment for such a program, given that its membership is not limited by specialty or by level of training.

Objectives

By the end of the period of enrollment in the Mentoring Program, each mentee should have: 

  1. Participated in a MINIMUM of one virtual/phone meeting with a mentor each quarter.
  2. Demonstrated genuine interest including, but not limited to, learning about mentor’s specialty, expertise, special activities, and knowledge of medical education.
  3. Taken initiative to schedule calls with mentor.
  4. Completed feedback form at the end of the mentorship program.

By the end of the period of enrollment in the Mentoring Program, each mentor should have:

  1. Participated in a MINIMUM of one virtual/phone meeting with a mentee.
  2. Demonstrated a genuine interest including, but not limited to, learning about mentee’s personal interests, current medical education level, and academic aspirations.
  3. Taken initiative to schedule calls with mentee.
  4. Completed feedback form at the end of the mentorship program.

This program is made possible in part by contributions from our members who have donated to the SMA's Research & Education Endowment Fund. We are very grateful for their support, and invite YOU to make a contribution today!

For more information or to make a contribution, visit: https://sma.org/research-and-education/

Selection Criteria and Application Process

Once applications are received, the Mentorship & Networking team will review the applications and attempt to match mentors to mentees based on the below selection criteria.

Selection Criteria:

  1. Preference for type of mentor/mentee (peer, resident, fellow, etc)
  2. Specialty interests
  3. Matching based on mentor/mentee rankings of priorities
  4. Matching based on mentoring goals
  5. Matching based on hobbies/interests
  6. Ensure adequate matching between mentors to mentees, including multiple mentees to mentors if desired by mentor

If for any reason the matching process is unsatisfactory, the Mentorship & Networking team will make every effort in an attempt to rematch the mentor/mentee to another pairing. This will be done on a case by case basis.

Application Process:

The following is an outline of steps initiate your participation in the Mentoring program:

  • Submit your name by completing our online application form.
  • The PIT Committee will match pairs based on similarities in the applications.
  • Once matched, you will receive an introductory orientation document for the program, along with the name and contact information for your mentor/mentee.
  • You will be asked to complete a mentoring agreement to acknowledge that you understand the expectations for fulfilling your role.

Program Documents and Resources

The following documents will be provided to create a seamless process for mentors and mentees to be involved, partake in the program, and for continuous evaluation and improvement to the mentoring program.

  • Application: Mentees and mentors will apply for the program by completing the respective application on the SMA website. The application will be reviewed by the Mentorship & Networking team and matching will be made based on application responses.
  • Mentoring Agreement: Each enrollee will be asked to complete an agreement - which establishes how and when the mentor and mentee will meet, along with any specific goals the mentor or mentee hope to complete through the sessions.
  • Mentoring Log [recommended]: This document will serve as a guide if needed. The mentor and mentee should document meeting dates, length of meeting, and topics discussed to monitor progress and assist with feedback at the end of the program year.
  • Evaluation: An end-of-program evaluation will be obtained from both the mentors and mentees regarding the experience and utility of the mentorship program. At this point, both the mentor and mentee will also provide feedback for improvement of the mentorship program. This input will be used to implement any adjustments that will make the program more useful and accessible.

How to Join and Matching Methods

Mentors and mentees are matched by the Mentorship and Networking team within the SMA PIT based on common interests and fit. The following is an outline of steps initiate your participation in the Mentoring program:

  • Submit your name by completing our online application form.
  • Enrollment ends on December 31, 2021.
  • The PIT Committee will match pairs based on similarities in the applications.
  • Once matched, you will receive an introductory orientation document for the program, along with the name and contact information for your mentor/mentee.

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