As the 2020 ACGME Annual Educational Conference gets closer -- it's just a month away now! -- we wanted to shine a spotlight on a new opportunity for attendees: the Mentor-Mentee Program. For the first time ever, the ACGME is facilitating a unique networking opportunity through this program in an effort to help attendees capitalize on one of the great features afforded by this conference – establishing and building connections with others in graduate medical education from all over the world.
While over 600 attendees opted into the program through their registration, you can participate on site whether you registered for it or not. The program is open to everyone – residents and fellows, faculty members, DIOs, coordinators, program directors, ACGME staff members—everyone! – just pick up a “Happy to Be Your Mentor!” or “Will You Be My Mentor?” ribbon at registration and you’re in!
Beyond the badge ribbons to indicate participation, attendees interested in the program will take any next steps on their own. Pre-set meet-up spots will be set up in public places in both hotels. These will be identifiable through the Conference Mobile App, and will be easy to find on site, with charging stations for phones and other devices and tables that feature conversation starter prompts to help mentors and mentees connect. When you’ve found a mentor or mentee and connected, you can really take that relationship in whatever direction makes sense to you both from there. Grab a coffee and chat, attend a session together – you can keep the relationship to the duration of the conference, or extend it beyond and exchange contact information to keep it going. It’s up to you!
The program is intended to enhance your experience at the conference, and our hope is that those who participate will take advantage and expand their professional networks. With over 4,000 GME professionals from all over the world in attendance, this unique and valuable setting can really enrich both your time at the conference and your individual professional experience beyond it. For many attendees who come to the conference with others from their program or institution, the program will facilitate your ability to you bridge those meaningful relationships outside of your comfort zone and build connections with others in your field.