A one-to-one clinical support program pairing our vast volunteer base with colleagues in developing nations to provide personalised and practical support and learning.
Project Leads - Ailsa Cowie and Dr Katja Beitat
Mentorship
One on one support program
Thank you for your interest in our program. We have summarised the expectations in a fact sheet. Please read the fact sheet before completing the expression of interest form. The purpose of the mentor program is to provide those in developing nations 1-1 clinical support mentorship through personalised and practical learning.
In 2022, we will have three intakes for a 12-week mentorship program to run between February - April, May - August, September - November.
Spaces are limited. Additional applications will be put on a waiting list.
Expression of Interest - Mentor
Mentor Program - Fact Sheet - Mentor
Thank you for your interest in the program. We have summarised the expectations for a mentor in this fact sheet and we ask you to please to read it carefully before applying to the program.
With any questions please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org
Why be a mentor?
You can change someone’s world through mentorship! Engaging with someone who has an entirely different background can be immensely rewarding for both of you.
The program involves pairing volunteers with colleagues in developing nations to provide 1-1 clinical support through a personalised and practical mentorship.
Duration
The program runs for 12 weeks. During 2022, there will be 3 intakes, February - April, May - August, September - November.
Expectations
Time commitment
A commitment of a minimum 1-2 hours per week is expected. We understand that sickness, family interruptions and work commitments do come up, although we ask you to inform your mentee of any changes to your mentorship schedule as soon as possible. It is important to inform us immediately if you are unable to continue in the program so we are able to arrange a replacement.
The role of the mentor
As a mentor you may share with a mentee information about your own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals and identifying resources.
Tips for effective mentoring
During our mentorship trial, we received feedback from the participants and found that the mentorship was most effective when the mentor was willing and able to:
1) Establish expectations and ground rules
When first introduced to your mentee, make them comfortable by explaining your role. Answer any questions they may have about the mentoring process.
Point out what you expect of them (e.g. to come prepared with problems to resolve or inquiries to discuss, to show up on time). Explain what you’re prepared to do for them: coach, teach, and suggest and provide online learning resources.
2) Set a contact schedule
How often will you and your mentee meet online? Will you be available as well for phone or email/text consults anytime during the workday and evening, or only in specific time slots on certain days?
3) Communicate early
If circumstances change and either one of you is not able to continue please communicate this with each other early on and contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org
Suggested structure, learning goals and tips
From our initial pilot program, we learned that it is useful to provide a basic structure to both mentees and mentors to mutually align expectations and commitment. Below is a suggested structure. Please feel free to discuss with your mentee and adjust to suit their situation and learning goals.
STAGE ONE: BUILD THE RELATIONSHIP (WEEK 1)
The first one or two meetings are about getting to know each other and discussing how the mentoring relationship will work.
Discussion could include:
- each person's background, experiences, interests
- the expectations of the mentoring relationship, including the frequency of contact and preference for communicating
- the best way to communicate if you need to reschedule a session.
STAGE TWO: SET GOALS (WEEK 2)
This stage is about exchanging information and setting specific goals together. Goals can help your mentee gain clarity, get the most out of the mentoring relationship and to focus your efforts. Through discussion, you may like to help your mentee clarify their mentoring goal(s) and break bigger goals into smaller steps. These could include improving skills in a specific area, finding ways of progressing their career or perhaps seeking guidance on a major decision.
STAGE 3: WORK TOWARDS GOALS (WEEK 3-11)
This stage is typically the longest. The focus is on helping your mentee to work towards achieving their goals through guided conversations and sharing good reference materials.
During this stage, take some time to reflect:
- how is the mentoring relationship progressing?
- what has been working well to date?
- what changes or adjustments are needed to the mentoring goals, schedule or the mentoring relationship?
Ways to gain the most value can include:
- active listening
- maintaining confidentiality and respect
- asking your mentee to share how they are benefitting from the mentoring relationship. This may include sharing concrete examples of successful strategies that they have learnt from you and put into practice.
- Reflecting on what has been shared and learned.
- Providing prompt communication to your mentee if you are running late or need to rescedule a session.
STAGE 4: ENDING THE MENTORING RELATIONSHIP AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE (WEEK 12)
This stage includes bringing the mentoring relationship to a close, reviewing the initial goals and exploring the support which may assist your mentee in the future.
Your final discussion could include:
- Reflections on their accomplishments, challenges and progress towards goals
- Identifying what they will remember most about this mentoring relationship and what challenges lie ahead
- Exploring any further support they may still need, and from where or who
If you need help
Please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org
CPD Certificate
Radiology Across Borders is happy to provide a CPD certificate of the hours spent teaching. At the end of the 12 weeks, please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org with the number of hours and a certificate will be emailed to you.
Feedback
Your feedback is important. We will reach out to you during the program in person and by asking you to complete a survey at the end of the program. In addition, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or feedback to admin@radiologyacrossborders.org or Katja Beitat katja@radiologyacrossborders.org
Complaints
Please let us know if you are not happy or have concerns with any part of the program. Contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org or Katja Beitat katja@radiologyacrossborders.org
FAQ
Who can apply to provide mentorship?
Any radiologists, radiographers, sonographers or imaging technologists who have trained in AUS, UK, NZ or the USA can apply.
Do I get to choose my mentee?
Mentoring partnerships are decided based on time zone, availability and skill sets and are presented to you for consideration. If you would like to provide mentorship to someone in a particular nation, please let us know in the comments on the expression of interest form.
What if I have to cancel a session?
Schedule your sessions far in advance and make them a priority. If you do have to cancel, be sure to inform your mentee and get another time on the calendar immediately. A good mentorship requires reliability and frequent communication.
Where can I find good resources to share with my mentee?
On the RAB library you can find teaching resources including recorded webinars on a variety of imaging topics which you may like to share with your mentee RAB Library.
I have a collection of great radiology teaching resources, can I share them with other mentors?
We are always searching for high-quality radiology teaching resources for our library members to benefit from. If you have specific resources or prepared material that you feel would be of value to our members and would be happy to donate, please let us know.
My mentee has not turned up to the last two sessions and I haven’t heard from them. What should I do?
If your mentee has missed two sessions in a row without any communication, please let us know immediately.
My mentee has asked me to interpret one of their patient’s scans. Am I allowed to do this?
No, this is a mentorship, teaching program. This is not a clinical support service and does not provide clinical supervision. You are not permitted to provide medical services overseas and may be a risk to the patient considering you may not have access to all the relevant patient information.
If your mentee has requested help in this area, you can direct them to our TIDES program, which is an official way of providing a second opinion reporting process to developing nations. The project lead, Dr Glyn Llewellyn-Jones can provide you with more information on how the TIDES program can assist your mentee. Please suggest the program to your mentee and then email glyn@radiologyacrossborders.org on their behalf introducing your mentee and explaining their situation.
What if I want to leave the program early?
You can leave the program at any time. Please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org as soon as possible so we can find a replacement for your mentee.
What about patient privacy?
As part of this mentor program, you will be discussing patient cases and we ask you to be mindful of patient privacy. If you are using email or WhatsApp please make sure that the patient cannot be identified.
How do I get my CPD certificate?
Please send an email to admin@radiologyacrossborders.org listing your hours spent teaching and a certificate will be emailed to you.
Still have questions?
Contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org
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Expression of Interest - Mentee
Mentor Program - Fact Sheet - Mentee
Thank you for your interest in our program. We have summarised the expectations for a mentee in this fact sheet and we ask you to read these before completing the Expression Of Interest Form.
Purpose
The purpose of the mentorship program is to provide those in developing nations 1-1 clinical support mentorship through personalised and practical learning.
Why seek a mentor?
A mentor is a more experienced person who can support your professional development through a series of time-limited, confidential, one-to-one conversations. Whilst a mentor does not replace your manager, or have any authority over your day-to-day work, a mentor can assist your professional development by:
- being a sounding board for ideas helping you decide on the best course of action in difficult situations
- imparting knowledge and skills
- suggesting good resources
- sharing lessons learnt through personal experiences, including mistakes and successes
- offering support, understanding and encouragement in response to another’s challenges.
Duration
12 weeks with three intakes in 2022 between February - April, May - August, September - November.
Expectations
Time commitment
A commitment of a minimum 1-2 hours per week is expected. We understand that sickness, family interruptions and work commitments do come up, although we ask you to inform your mentor of any changes to your mentorship schedule as soon as possible. It is important to inform us immediately if you are unable to continue in the program so we are able to give your place to someone else.
Proactive mentees
While you will be learning and receiving support from your mentor, it is important to note that it is your responsibility to drive the mentor relationship by providing your mentor with clear guidelines on what you would like to achieve during the 12 weeks.
Sharing information
If you give permission in your application form, your mentor will be provided with a copy of your application form to understand your area of work.
Suggested structure, learning goals and tips
From our initial pilot program, we learned that it is useful to provide a basic structure to both mentees and mentors to mutually align expectations and commitment. Below is a suggested structure. Please feel free to discuss with your mentor and adjust to suit your situation and learning goals.
STAGE ONE: BUILD THE RELATIONSHIP (WEEK 1)
The first one or two meetings are about getting to know each other and discussing how the mentoring relationship will work.
Discussion could include:
- each person's background, experiences, interests
- the expectations of the mentoring relationship, including the frequency of contact and preference for communicating
- the best way to communicate if you need to reschedule a session.
STAGE TWO: SET GOALS (WEEK 2)
This stage is about exchanging information and setting specific goals. Goals can help you gain clarity, get the most out of the mentoring relationship and to focus your efforts. Through discussion, your mentor can help you clarify your mentoring goal(s) and break bigger goals into smaller steps. These could include improving skills in a specific area, finding ways of progressing your career or perhaps seeking guidance on a major decision.
To gain the most from mentoring at this stage, it is important to:
- share your goals and priorities
- understand your strengths, weaknesses, successes and challenges
- help your mentor understand your job and the context within which you work
- discuss decisions you’ve made and actions you’ve taken so far in your career and the reasons why.
STAGE 3: WORK TOWARDS GOALS (WEEK 3-11)
This stage is typically the longest. The focus is on helping you to work towards achieving your goals through guided conversations and sharing good reference materials.
During this stage, take some time to reflect:
- how is the mentoring relationship progressing?
- what has been working well to date?
- what changes or adjustments are needed to the mentoring goals, schedule or the mentoring relationship?
Ways to gain the most value can include:
- active listening
- taking responsibility for your own professional and personal development by clearly communicating these to your mentor
- maintaining confidentiality and respect
- seeking and accepting constructive feedback
- seeing your mentor as a learning facilitator, someone who helps you discuss your goals and provides guidance how you can reach them
- being open to your mentor’s efforts to help you see things differently, try different approaches and to think more broadly or deeply.
- asking your mentor to share successful strategies and resources he or she has used in the past that could help with your goals or challenges.
- reflecting on what has been shared and learned
- letting your mentor know how you are benefitting from the mentoring relationship. This may include sharing concrete examples of how you’ve put your learnings into practice.
Remember that you are the one leading the mentoring relationship, so it’s up to you to schedule appointments and propose an agenda for each meeting. Don’t forget to promptly communicate with your mentor if you are running late or have missed a session.
STAGE 4: ENDING THE MENTORING RELATIONSHIP AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE (WEEK 12)
This stage includes bringing the mentoring relationship to a close, reviewing your initial goals
and exploring the support which may assist you in the future.
Your final discussion could include:
- reflections on your accomplishments, challenges and progress towards goals
- exploring any further support you may still need, and from where or who.
Feedback
Your feedback is important. We will reach out to you during the program in person and by asking you to complete a survey at the end of the program. In addition, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or feedback to admin@radiologyacrossborders.org or Katja Beitat katja@radiologyacrossborders.org
Complaints
Please let us know if you are not happy or have concerns with any part of the program. Contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org or Katja Beitat katja@radiologyacrossborders.org
If you need help
Please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org
Certificate
Radiology Across Borders will provide you with a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Disclaimer
Radiology Across Borders has taken all reasonable care in matching mentors and mentees. Radiology Across Borders cannot guarantee that you will be able to achieve your learning goals and it is not liable in any way for the accuracy or quality of information exchanged between you and the mentor.
Code of Conduct
Please refer to the Radiology Across Borders’ Code of Conduct.
FAQ
Who can apply to receive mentorship?
Any sonographers, radiographers or imaging technologists, doctors, radiologists and nurses, who trained in and are residing in a developing nation can apply to the program by completing an Expression of Interest form on our website.
What is the role and responsibility of a mentee?
A mentee is a professional clinician who is advised, trained or guided by a mentor. A mentee will be motivated and feel empowered to plan and manage the direction of their own professional life. They will initiate the mentoring relationship and will be open to coaching, feedback and guidance by the mentor. They will be in contact with the mentor as established by the mentor program structure and maintain confidentiality within the mentoring relationship.
Will my personal and professional information be kept confidential?
Yes, both you and your mentor commit to keeping any information shared during the program confidential.
What about patient privacy?
As part of this mentor program, you will be discussing various patient cases and we ask you to be mindful of patient privacy. Please make sure that your patient cannot be identified, especially when communicating by email and WhatsApp.
Do you offer mentoring in groups?
Yes. We have had successful groups of 2 mentees. If you have a small group of between 1-4 people interested, we would be happy to discuss the possibility of this. Please inform us of this in your EOI form.
What if I have to cancel a session?
Schedule your sessions far in advance and make them a priority. If you do have to cancel, be sure to inform your mentor promptly and get another time on the calendar immediately. A good mentorship requires reliability and frequent communication.
What if I want to leave the program early?
At any time you can leave the program. Please contact admin@radiologyacrossborders.org as soon as possible so we can give your spot to someone else.
Is my mentor allowed to interpret one of my patient’s scans?
No. This could cause a risk to your patient because your mentor does not have access to all the relevant information. This is a mentorship, teaching program and does not provide clinical supervision or a clinical support service.
If your hospital is requiring assistance in this area, the TIDES program by RAB may be of assistance. TIDES is an official way of providing a second opinion reporting process to developing nations. Volunteer Radiologists provide free reporting for second opinions and in disaster events. The project lead, Dr Glyn Llewellyn-Jones can provide you with more information on whether the TIDES program is available in your workplace. Please contact Dr Glyn Llewellyn-Jones glyn@radiologyacrossborders.orgto explain your situation.
Other than the mentorship program, how can RAB help me?
We encourage you to look at our other programs that we have set up to assist you in your radiology education. They are 100% online and free. You may like to sign up for the monthly teaching webinars, check out our vast library, take the Film Bank Quiz or look up valuable information on the Diagnostic Imaging Pathways page.
We look forward to receiving your Expression of Interest.
Our Partners
Radiology Across Borders trains local doctors in developing nations to use the power of radiology to save lives.
Stay in Touch
Email: info@radiologyacrossborders.org
Suite 503,
Level 5, 276 Pitt Street
Sydney, NSW,
Australia