Association of PAs in Oncology Mentorship Program

The APAO Mentorship Program is designed to support new Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) beginning their careers in oncology by providing guidance from experienced APAO mentors with three or more years of oncology experience. Through this mentorship, APAO aims to establish a supportive foundation that promotes both academic and professional development while fostering lifelong learning for the mentee. Mentors and mentees should aim to communicate at least four times per year (approximately once every three months), or more frequently if mutually agreed upon.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION: May 13, 2026. (Enrollment Period: April 1 - May 13)


Meeting Dates:
  • Kick Off Meeting - TBA (End of May)

  

Mentor/Mentee Meeting Outline:

  • Meeting 1: Introduction and Goal Setting

The first meeting should focus on introducing the mentor and mentee and establishing goals for the mentorship relationship.

During this meeting, the mentor should assess the mentee’s stage of training or career—whether they are a first-year PA practicing in oncology or an experienced PA transitioning into the oncology field. The mentorship relationship should remain flexible and tailored to the mentee’s individual needs and professional goals.

Flexibility may include adjusting:

  • Frequency of meetings (more or fewer than every three months)
  • Preferred communication methods (Zoom, phone, text, or email)

During this initial meeting, the mentee should complete the Pre-Survey.

 
  • Meetings 2–3: Professional Development and Skill Building

Subsequent meetings should focus on the mentee’s interests, learning goals, and professional development. Suggested discussion topics include:

Oncology-Specific Skills

  • Navigating difficult conversations with patients and families (e.g., discussing prognosis and treatment options)
  • Understanding the structure of the oncology care team and strategies for effective collaboration
  • Managing common oncologic emergencies such as:
    • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
    • Spinal cord compression
    • Neutropenic fever
  • Palliative care and pain management
  • Chemotherapy advancements, medication classes, and toxicity management

Professional Development

  • Opportunities for involvement in professional organizations such as APAO
  • Continuing medical education (CME) and oncology-specific conferences

Career Pathways in Oncology

  • Exploring different career paths in oncology (clinical practice, research, teaching)
  • Career advancement opportunities including leadership roles or specialized certifications

Burnout Prevention and Self-Care

  • Identifying signs of burnout
  • Developing strategies for self-care
  • Maintaining work-life balance in a high-stress clinical environment


  • Meeting 4: Reflection and Program Completion

The final meeting should focus on reviewing a professional or educational topic and reflecting on discussions from previous meetings. This meeting also provides an opportunity to discuss how the mentor–mentee relationship may continue beyond the formal mentorship program. At the conclusion of the program, the mentee should complete the Post-Survey.

 
Please email [email protected] to be added to our communications to receive the announcement for this year's program.