Mentoring Program

 
 
Population health scientists have to navigate many challenges.  The IAPHS Mentoring Program seeks to meet the needs of members – at any career stage – who could use some advice on professional development issues.
Being a mentor is a deeply rewarding way to contribute to population health science.   It builds fruitful relationships that, for many, bring new insights and ideas to their work.  Most importantly, it offers the satisfaction of making a difference in the career of a next generation scientist.

How the Program Works:

1. Sign up


IAPHS is no longer accepting requests to become a mentee for the pilot phase of the Mentoring Program. Please check back in the fall, 2019, when the program will go to scale.

1. Sign up

To Be a Mentor

2. Get Matched

IAPHS will compare the needs and expectations of mentors and mentees. We can’t guarantee a match, but we’ll do the best we can!

3. Establish a Plan

We’ve created a template that will help the mentor and mentee work out their goals and expectations. Once you’ve submitted your plan, you’re officially enrolled in the program.

4. Connect and Learn from Each Other

IAPHS will support you with monthly emails that provide tips and resources to help you get the most out of your relationship.  But it’s up to you to keep in touch and to let the relationship evolve in helpful ways while honoring the expectations you’ve agreed to.

 

Resources for Mentoring or Being a Mentee

Other Program Information

  • Who is eligible?

    Mentees must be IAPHS members.  Join here to become a member.  Mentors are not required to be IAPHS members but are encouraged to join.  There are no restrictions on career stage for either mentors or mentees.

  • How will mentors be recognized?

    In recognition of the importance of mentoring for population health science IAPHS is establishing a new Mentoring Award, to be inaugurated in 2019.  In addition, all mentors will be given special recognition at the annual conference.  A mentor-mentee pair will be chosen each month to be highlighted on this webpage.

  • What topics or issues can be addressed?

    There are no constraints on the topics that mentors and mentees can agree to cover.  See a list of potential topics here.  We especially encourage pairs to address issues related to interdisciplinary careers and the translation of science to policy and practice.

  • How will mentors and mentees be matched?

    IAPHS will compare the mentee’s needs with the skills and interests information mentors provide when they enroll and find the best possible match. Mentees may suggest potential mentors, but a match to one of them is not guaranteed.

  • How long/often will we be in contact?

    It depends on what you agree to as a mentor/mentee pair.  Pairs are encouraged to meet every month and to talk for an hour each time.  We ask that all pairs initially commit to be in contact for at least 3 but no more than 12 months, and will offer the chance to extend their relationship once the initial period is over.

  • What are the expectations for participants?

    All participants will need to agree to: (1) adhere to the plans they have established unless modified by mutual consent; (2) report problems to the IAPHS Administrative Director, and (3) adhere to the IAPHS Code of Conduct  in their relationship.   IAPHS reserves the right to withdraw its support for any pair that violates expectations.

  • About the pilot phase…

    The one-year pilot phase begins October 3, 2018.   We hope that pilot participants will help us learn what worked best, and what else is needed, to support mentor-mentee pairs.

Questions? Contact Sue Bevan (sbevan@iaphs.org).