1:1 Mentorship Program for Young Surgeons

Members of ASCRS have a vast wealth of knowledge regarding career development, research, leadership and practice building. The goal of the ASCRS Mentoring Program is to promote the personal and professional growth of young colorectal surgeons by providing mentorship and networking over a one-year period with an emphasis on learning how to be meaningfully engaged in national colorectal surgery activities. Junior members will be paired one-to-one with more experienced members of ASCRS and follow a planned pathway designed to facilitate a formal relationship that can be tailored to the mentees' needs and interests. The relationship will develop through a series of meetings and milestones as well as engagement in a national colorectal surgery activity (selected based on mentee goals and preferences). 

Highlights

  • One-year program (May 2024 - May 2025)
  • Opportunity to be mentored by an experienced colorectal surgeon and develop an ongoing relationship that can help with clinical practice, research, education, work-life balance and much more!
  • Get involved in ASCRS and other colorectal organizations (American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Association of Program Directors for Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Research Foundation of the ASCRS and Diseases of the Colon & Rectum Journal) in a mentored approach that will result in meaningful engagement
  • Potential areas of focus: clinical practice, education, research, leadership

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, mentees will:
  • Have a better understanding of how the ASCRS, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Association of Program Directors for Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Research Foundation of the ASCRS and Diseases of the Colon & Rectum Journal are organized and how to get involved
  • Establish a meaningful relationship with an experienced member of ASCRS
  • Received guidance and advice for developing a specific aspect of a colorectal career development

Program Expectations

  • The mentee and mentor will complete a Program Agreement
  • The mentee will complete and submit a Self-Assessment and Action Plan (early fall) to their mentor to help guide the relationship
  • Communicate with mentor quarterly
  • Suggested attendance the 2024 ASCRS Annual Meeting (June 1-4, 2024) and 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (May 10 - 13, 2025)
  • Complete program assessment and participate in debrief interview at end of year with member of the mentorship taskforce to understand the opportunities to improve the program
  • Review the Mentorship Schedule here

Who May Apply?

Any surgeon who has completed a colorectal fellowship within the last seven years and is a member of ASCRS. Applicants will be evaluated on potential for maximum benefit from the mentorship experience. International members are also welcome to apply. 

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application by March 28, 2024.

Be sure to specify your preferred focus area for mentorship (i.e., clinical practice, education, research, leadership) and comment on how this program could assist you. Also, indicate areas of interest for your involvement in national colorectal activities (American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Association of Program Directors for Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Research Foundation of the ASCRS and Diseases of the Colon & Rectum Journal) and comment on how this involvement aligns with your career interests.

Apply Now

Interested in becoming a mentor?

Apply Now