In any field, having a professional mentor can help individuals develop and advance their careers. Mentors affect the professional life of a mentee by fostering insight, identifying needed knowledge, and expanding growth opportunities. The ACR believes mentor/mentee relationships at all levels is central for a sustainable rheumatology workforce. The ACR has two mentoring programs: AMIGO and Choose Rheumatology!.
AMIGO – The ACR/CARRA Mentoring Interest Group for Pediatric Rheumatologists
AMIGO is a pediatric rheumatology mentoring program. To address the needs of early career pediatric rheumatologists, the ACR Special Committee on Pediatric Rheumatology and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) joined together in 2011 to develop a program to support the career development of fellows and junior faculty in pediatric rheumatology via educational services, facilitated networking, and most importantly a one-on-one mentoring program through which interested mentees are matched with mentors at other institutions. Learn more about the AMIGO mentor/mentee program >
Choose Rheumatology! Mentor Program
The Choose Rheumatology! recruitment campaign aims to increase the rheumatology workforce in quantity and quality. We believe exposure to rheumatology through mentorship is the first step in recruitment. Mentoring relationships are invaluable for both mentor and mentee, and many students are currently in search of a mentor to learn more about a medical specialty they are considering. You could be one step or call away from helping a student or resident choose rheumatology as a medical specialty. Choose Rheumatology! mentors serve as a contact person when needed and make an impact in the early stages of one’s medical career.
Mentor Guidelines
- Give the ACR/ARHP permission to share your contact information on the Choose Rheumatology website (name, city, state, workplace, email, and phone number)
- Exhibit enthusiasm about rheumatology
- Be willing to share experiences, knowledge, and expertise
- Be a great listener
- Participate in program evaluation at the end of each calendar year
Suggested Mentor-Mentee Activities
The suggested activities below are not required as part of the Choose Rheumatology Mentor program.
- Discuss ACR/ARHP mentor/mentee guidelines and determine ground rules
- Schedule an initial coffee meet up if the student lives in your area
- Schedule bi-monthly check-in calls to discuss the student’s career goals
- Review CV and provide feedback
- Review medical school or fellowship application
- Serve as a guide if your student attends the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting.
- Share your career story: career start, changes made along the way, high and low points, helpful experiences
- Discuss mentee’s personal vision
- Discuss topics not pertaining to profession: news and events, family, and hobbies
Registration coming soon