Mentor Match is the latest addition to an expanding line-up of ASRA Pain Medicine services to support members’ professional development needs. Once enrollment has closed, the Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG will match Mentors and Mentees based on the mentoring topics selected, as well as other demographic information provided in the enrollment process. 

Is there a fee associated with using Mentor Matching?

Mentor Matching is a benefit of membership and is available only to ASRA Pain Medicine members. There is no extra charge to use this resource.

How are Mentors and Mentees matched?

Members must first enroll as a Mentor, Mentee or both. During the enrollment process, members will select preferences for various demographics (including mentoring topics and special interests) to establish their personal criteria.

The Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG will match Mentors and Mentees annually based on the mentoring topics selected, as well as other demographic information provided in the enrollment process. 

How long does the Mentor Match program last?

We suggest that the Mentor and Mentee agree on a time frame that works best. The recommended length is nine months; however, the program can continue offline if mutually agreeable by both the Mentor and Mentee.

How often will matches be made?

Mentor/Mentee matches will be made annually. ASRA Pain Medicine will send out correspondences and reminders about the deadlines for enrolling. 

FOR MENTORS

How do I become a Mentor?

If you are a member, click here to enroll as a Mentor. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for various demographics.

Who are the Mentees?

Mentees are ASRA Pain Medicine members who feel they will benefit professionally and personally from career support. 

Can I have more than one Mentee?

It is recommended to have no more than three Mentees at one time. 

How do I find Mentees?

The Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG will match Mentors and Mentees based on the mentoring topics selected, as well as other demographic information provided in the enrollment process. 

Once your match has been made, you will be contacted and provided with the specific details of your match. 

Is it okay to reject a mentee pairing?

Yes, but there should be a good reason to do so. We encourage you to have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling. 

How do I end a mentoring relationship?

At the end of the nine-month period, a wrap-up meeting will be scheduled. After this meeting, the mentoring relationship will officially end. 

If the mentoring relationship isn't working out, please kindly discuss your decision to end the relationship with your Mentee and the Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG member who you've corresponded with during the process. 

What are the expectations for participating Mentors?

We expect you to set the direction on the mentorship program based on the Mentee's goals and objectives; guide the Mentee on attaining the set goals; providing direct and actionable feedback during the program duration; set clear expectations; and be committed to the program. 

How much time will I need to invest as a Mentor?

We recommend that you and your Mentees agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or email exchanges with you can make a big difference to your Mentees. The annual meeting also offers a convenient venue for getting together with your Mentees over coffee or lunch.

What benefits do I receive from the organization if I participate as a Mentor in the program?

All Mentors are volunteers. Many successful people look back on their careers and recognize at least one Mentor who helped them achieve their goals. The benefits of being a Mentor include improving your own communication and supervisory skills, expanding your network, encouraging self-reflection, and helping develop the next generation of leaders. Additionally, we will feature Mentor/Mentee partnerships in various ASRA Pain Medicine publications.

Your contributions are greatly appreciated!

FOR MENTEES

How do I become a Mentee?

If you are a member, click here to enroll as a Mentee. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for various demographics.

Who are the Mentors?

Mentors are other members who have volunteered their time to support other members' careers.

Can I have more than one Mentor?

You can have one Mentor at any given time. 

How do I find a Mentor?

The Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG will match Mentors and Mentees based on the mentoring topics selected, as well as other demographic information provided in the enrollment process.

Once your match has been made, you will be contacted and provided with the specific details of your match. 

What if the Mentor isn’t the right “fit” for my needs?

Sometimes, regardless of the information provided, Mentors and Mentees don’t always "fit."  If this happens, we suggest that you discuss your decision honestly and kindly with your Mentor and the Physician Mentorship and Leadership Development SIG member who you've corresponded with during the process. 

Where can I meet with my Mentor?

It is up to you and your Mentor to decide how, when, and where you want to pursue your mentoring relationship. It is likely that most of your communication will occur virtually, by phone, or email. The annual meeting offers a great opportunity to meet in person.