Academy Mentoring Program

_{Make the Leap from “Someday” to “I’ll Show You How.”}

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.

Enroll Now Ask a Question

How it Works:

1) Apply
Complete the short enrollment form and tell us your interests, goals, and preferred meeting style.
2) Match
We pair by interests, experience area, and—when helpful—geography or schedule.
3) Meet
Aim for a monthly touchpoint (phone, email, text, or Zoom). Keep it simple and consistent.
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.