ISAKOS Mentorship Program

ISAKOS proudly announces a Mentorship Program focused on young professionals (45 and under), females, and early-mid career surgeons.

Overview

Developed by the Gender Diversity Task Force & Membership Committee, this initiative is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in orthopedics. Our program focuses on navigating professional landscapes, honing surgical skills, and integrating research with career development.

Focus Areas

Crafted to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young professionals and female surgeons, the program will pair Mentees with leaders of ISAKOS who can provide guidance in several key areas:

  1. Navigating and Getting Involved with ISAKOS
    • Understanding ISAKOS: Learn how to make the most of your membership with the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.
    • Leadership Roles: Discover pathways to get involved in committees and leadership positions within the organization.
  2. Career Mentorship
    • Job Acquisition: Receive advice on resume building, job searching, and interview techniques specific to the orthopedic field.
    • Negotiation Skills: Learn how to effectively negotiate job offers, salaries, and benefits.
    • Promotion Strategies: Get tips on advancing your career, setting goals, and positioning yourself for promotions.
  3. Surgical Skills Mentorship
    • Skill Development: Work with experienced surgeons to refine your technical skills and gain hands-on experience.
    • Advanced Techniques: Explore advanced surgical techniques and stay updated with the latest practices in orthopedics.
  4. Integrating Research into Your Career
    • Research Opportunities: Find out how to incorporate research into your professional practice and develop your own research projects.
    • Publishing and Grants: Get guidance on publishing your work, securing research grants, and presenting at conferences.
    • Collaborative Projects: Connect with researchers and institutions to collaborate on innovative studies and clinical trials.
  5. Teaching and Training
    • Educational Skills: Learn how to effectively teach and mentor residents, fellows, and other surgeons.
    • Curriculum Development: Develop skills in creating educational materials and designing training programs.
    • Public Speaking: Enhance your public speaking abilities and presentation skills for lectures and workshops.
  6. Getting Involved in Industry
    • Industry Insights: Understand the industry landscape and explore opportunities for collaboration with medical device companies and pharmaceutical firms.
    • Professional Development: Learn how to navigate industry partnerships and use them to advance your career.
  7. Guidance for Innovation and Invention
    • Idea Development: Get support in transforming your innovative ideas into viable products or solutions.
    • Funding and Support: Discover funding opportunities and resources to support your innovations.
  8. Efficiency at Work
    • Time Management: Master strategies for effective time management and prioritization.
    • Workflow: Optimize your workflow to increase productivity and reduce stress.
    • Technology Integration: Utilize technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
  9. Work-Life Integration
    • Balancing Act: Gain strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance and integrating your personal and professional lives.
    • Family and Career: Receive guidance on managing family responsibilities alongside a demanding career.

Participation

Mentors are experienced Leaders within ISAKOS sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Mentees: Applicants are required to be ISAKOS members who fall into one of the following categories:

  • Resident/fellows
  • Young professionals (45 and under)
  • Female
  • Early and mid-career surgeons

Timeline

Application forms will be open from October 15 - November 15, 2024. Mentees will be selected and assigned to Mentors before December 31, 2024 with the opportunity to meet in person during the 2025 ISAKOS Congress in Munich, Germany.

Initial term length of each mentorship will be 1 year, with the option to extend at the discretion of the mentor/mentee.

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