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Academy Mentoring Program

Member Benefit Year-Round Matching Monthly Touchpoints Clinical + Research Paths

The Academy mentoring program pairs new entrants to the profession with experienced mentors on a rolling, year-round basis. The goal: meaningful relationships that accelerate growth, expand networks, and strengthen O&P through real-world guidance. Participation is limited to Academy members in good standing.

How it Works:

  1. 1) Apply
    Complete the short enrollment form and tell us your interests, goals, and preferred meeting style.
  2. 2) Match
    We pair by interests, experience area, and—when helpful—geography or schedule.
  3. 3) Meet
    Aim for a monthly touchpoint (phone, email, text, or Zoom). Keep it simple and consistent.
  4. 4) Grow
    Use goal-setting prompts and monthly conversation starters to stay on track.

Benefits for Mentees:

  • Dedicated senior clinician to help define goals and next steps
  • Guidance on school, residency, early-career choices, and research
  • Expanded professional network and confidence in clinical practice
  • Support through wins, roadblocks, and everything in between

Benefits for Mentors:

  • Give back and advance evidence-based O&P practice
  • Reflect on your path and sharpen leadership & teaching
  • Stay connected to academia, residents, and emerging research
  • Help shape the next generation of clinicians

What We Ask:

  • Connect at least monthly by phone, text, email, or Zoom.
  • Kick off with one goal-setting session (main goal + one long-term and one short-term goal).
  • Use our monthly conversation starters: Professional Tools, Clinical Highlight, and a Technical Topic.
  • Be responsive, respectful of time, and committed to follow-through.

Eligibility:

Mentors:

  • Academy member in good standing
  • ABC-certified practitioner, 3+ years’ experience

Senior Mentee:

  • Academy member in good standing
  • NCOPE resident or ABC-certified seeking depth in a specialty

Junior Mentee:

  • Academy member in good standing
  • NCOPE resident or student

Matching & Structure:

  • Mentors may support up to two mentees
  • Senior mentees can mentor a junior mentee while being mentored themselves
  • Matching considers interest area and, when helpful, geography
  • Simple, year-round timeline—join when ready

FAQs:

How much time does this take?
Plan on a monthly check-in. Many pairs add quick texts or emails between meetings, but keep it sustainable.
Do you provide prompts?
Yes. You’ll receive three monthly conversation starters: a professional tool, a clinical highlight, and a technical topic plus Academy mentoring resources.
What makes a great match?
Shared goals and clear expectations. Tell us what you’re aiming for: clinical focus, research, leadership, or career navigation, and we’ll align accordingly.

What a Good Mentor Looks Like: 

Mentee

Be teachable, proactive, and consistent. Come with questions, own your goals, and respect your mentor’s time.

Mentor

Be flexible and responsive. Share real stories, ask good questions, and challenge your mentee to stretch.