From Informal Interactions to a Structured Mentorship Journey: Lessons Learned from the ISAKOS Mentorship Program

Seid Mohammed Yasin, MD. Msc, ETHIOPIA

ISAKOS eNewsletters   eNewsletter Article 2026   rating

Background

Following the introduction of mentors and mentees at the 2025 ISAKOS Congress in Munich, Germany, I began my mentorship journey with Dr. Emmanuel Pappacostas. Like many mentorship relationships, our collaboration started with great enthusiasm and mutual commitment. However, in the absence of a predefined framework or structured roadmap, our interactions initially revolved around occasional case-based consultations and experience sharing whenever unique clinical scenarios arose.

While these discussions were valuable, they occurred infrequently and were largely reactive rather than proactive. As time passed, I felt that I was not fully benefiting from the vast experience, expertise, and guidance that my mentor could offer. Interestingly, when I shared these thoughts with Dr. Pappacostas, he expressed similar feelings regarding the untapped potential of our mentorship relationship.

Identifying the Need for Structure

Recognizing this challenge, we engaged in a series of discussions to explore ways of making our mentorship more effective and impactful. These conversations led me to develop a formal one-year mentorship framework designed to provide structure, continuity, and measurable goals for our interactions.

The proposal outlined regular monthly virtual meetings, each lasting at least one hour and scheduled on the first Monday evening of every month according to the Gregorian calendar. A comprehensive list of topics was selected in advance, spanning a one-year period. Each session was assigned clear objectives, discussion points, and expected outcomes.

The framework was subsequently presented to my mentor for review. Through constructive discussions, several additional components were incorporated, priorities were refined, and focus areas were reshaped. The final result was a structured mentorship curriculum tailored to our professional interests and developmental goals.

Implementation of the Framework

The inaugural session was held on November 10, 2025. Rather than focusing solely on clinical matters, the first meeting served as an introduction to our professional and personal backgrounds. This proved invaluable in strengthening the mentor-mentee relationship and establishing mutual understanding and trust.

Since then, we have successfully completed five structured sessions and continue to progress according to the planned schedule. Each meeting is prepared in advance, allowing both mentor and mentee to identify discussion points, review relevant materials, and maximize the productivity of the session.

From a mentee's perspective, the structured curriculum approach has significantly enhanced the quality of the mentorship experience. The predefined schedule and objectives create accountability while ensuring that important topics are not overlooked. The format also encourages deeper discussions and more meaningful reflection compared with sporadic case-based consultations alone.

Outcomes and Benefits

Beyond the educational value of the monthly sessions, the mentorship has generated several unexpected opportunities and benefits:

1. Professional Networking

One of the most valuable outcomes has been the expansion of my professional network. Based on specific areas where my mentor identified developmental needs, he introduced me to several experts in the field. To date, I have been connected with more than five distinguished individuals whose expertise aligns with my professional goals.

These connections have opened doors to additional learning opportunities, including participation in a hands-on wet laboratory training program in South Africa, facilitated through my mentor's recommendations and professional network.

2. Facilitating Access to Resources

As an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ethiopia, access to specialized implants and surgical technologies can be challenging. Through the mentorship program, I was introduced to potential partners and suppliers capable of providing implants and surgical equipment that were previously unavailable to me.

These introductions have progressed into active discussions involving regional representatives and may ultimately benefit not only my personal practice but also the institutions where I work and, potentially, patients throughout the country.

3. Integration into Professional Communities

My mentor has also facilitated my integration into professional discussion groups and networks, where I have been warmly welcomed by colleagues from different parts of the world. These communities have provided an ongoing source of knowledge exchange, support, and professional collaboration.

4. Academic Collaboration

In addition to the educational and networking benefits, the mentorship has laid the foundation for future academic collaboration. We have identified scientific writing and research as areas of mutual interest and have discussed pursuing a joint publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal. While the project remains in the planning phase, it highlights the potential of mentorship relationships to evolve into long-term professional partnerships.

Reflections and Recommendations

Reflecting on our experience, one of the key lessons learned is that even highly motivated mentor-mentee pairs may struggle to maximize the value of mentorship if interactions remain entirely unstructured. While spontaneous case discussions remain important, the addition of a formal framework creates consistency, accountability, and direction.

A structured mentorship curriculum does not limit flexibility; rather, it provides a foundation upon which meaningful professional development can occur. It also helps ensure that mentorship extends beyond clinical consultation to include networking, leadership development, research collaboration, career planning, and personal growth.

Equally important has been the supportive and approachable nature of my mentor. Dr. Pappacostas has consistently demonstrated genuine interest in my professional development, making every session engaging, productive, and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Our mentorship journey evolved from occasional case-based interactions into a structured and goal-oriented partnership. The introduction of a formal mentorship framework has significantly enriched the experience, resulting in enhanced learning, expanded professional networks, access to new opportunities, and the development of long-term collaborative projects.

We are sharing this experience with ISAKOS in the hope that it may encourage other mentor-mentee pairs to consider adopting a structured approach to mentorship. If implemented more broadly, such frameworks may help participants maximize the benefits of the ISAKOS Mentorship Program and foster stronger professional relationships across the global orthopaedic community.