Association of PAs in Oncology Mentorship Program

This program is designed to support students and PAs in their first year of oncology careers by pairing them with experienced APAO Mentors. The goal is to help mentees develop essential skills and receive valuable guidance, establishing a foundation for both academic and professional growth that promotes lifelong learning.  

 Mentors and mentees should aim to connect at least quarterly (every 3 months), for a total of four meetings per year. Each meeting's agenda will be tailored to the mentee's specific needs and goals. 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION: February 28, 2025. 
Meeting Dates:
  • Kick Off Meeting - March 10, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST

  

Mentor/Mentee Meeting Outline:

  • Meeting 1:
The first meeting should be used for the mentee and mentor to introduce themselves and set the goals of their relationship. It will be important to get a general sense of where the mentee is in their career (i.e., first year PA or student) and ensure the relationship remains flexible to enhance their growth. This flexibility may include altering the frequency of meetings or developing preferred methods of communication (e.g., text, email, or Zoom). 
 
  • Meeting 2-3:
During meetings 2 and 3, mentors and mentees may explore a variety of topics based on the mentee’s needs and interests. These could include areas such as interviewing skills, CV development, and reviewing articles on relevant topics. Additionally, educational discussions can focus on specific topics related to the mentee’s specialty, such as neutropenic fever, sepsis, nausea management, pain management, chemotherapy toxicity, palliative care, and end-of-life care. Two other important areas for discussion are managing stress and addressing challenges in the workplace.
  
  • Meeting 4:
The final meeting should focus on a relevant professional or educational topic, similar to previous discussions. It’s also an opportunity to review and summarize key takeaways from earlier meetings and to discuss the next steps for continuing the mentorship relationship. The mentee should complete the Post-Survey during this session.