Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Mentorship and Professional Development Program

Q1. May I serve as both a mentor and advisee?

A1. Yes. If there are areas you feel comfortable providing mentorship, please sign up to share your valuable information and advice. If there are also areas where you want to develop, the mentorship and professional development program could help you find a source of advice for your professional development.  Follow the simple instructions on the mentorship and professional development webpage at ACMT.net for each part of the program you want to participate in. 

Q2. I'm a fellow-in-training. Do I need a mentor?

A2. The Mentorship and Professional Development Program can function as an additional resource for your professional development. It is not meant to be a substitute for any mentorship already provided by your fellowship program.

Q3. Why is there an application process?

A3. The application process is a formality that allows for the organizers to provide oversight and accountability for the Mentorship and Professional Development Program.

Q4. Why is a Mentorship and Professional Development Program necessary?

A4. Medical toxicology is a small subspecialty with our talent spread widely. This program allows access to resources that may not be in physical proximity and provides tools for professional development within medical toxicology.

Q5. Who runs the Mentorship and Professional Development Program?

A5. The Mentorship and Professional Development Program is a component of the Medical Toxicology Institute and is fully supported by the American College of Medical Toxicology. Ann-Jeannette Geib, MD, from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Trevonne Thompson, MD, from the University of Illinois College of Medicine; and Paul Wax, MD, executive director of the American College of Medical Toxicology, are the organizers. Any further questions or comments can be directed to mentorship@acmt.net.

Q6.  I’ve been out of training 5 years and looking for some help in my professional development.  Can I participate in the Mentorship and Professional Development Program?

A6. Absolutely!  The Mentorship and Professional Development Program is open to all Medical Toxicologists at any career stage.

Q7. I don’t know any of the mentors.  How do I decide if they will be a good match for me?

A7.  If you have any questions you can ask either AJ or Trevonne and we can help you find the best match possible.  We know people!

Q8.  I can’t make a site visit to the mentor.  Is this a problem?

A8.  No problem at all.  While we would strongly encourage site visits, we understand this is not always possible for a variety of reasons.  The program has been designed as a virtual program that harnesses the power of the internet to form fantastic mentoring relationships. 

Q9. There is someone I would like to work with but I don’t see him/her on the mentors list.  What do you suggest?

A9.  Let us know and we can invite him or her to participate. 

Q10.  Do you have any resources to help with me as a mentor?

A10.  Sure! Refer to the webpage under the “Resources” link. 

Q11.  Are there any resources for me to get the most out of being a mentee?

A11.  Yes, there are.  You can look under the Resources link. 

Q12.  How is this program different from the SAEM Mentorship Program?

A12.  Well, first, this Mentorship and Professional Development Program is a core activity of the Medical Toxicology Institute.  This program is geared toward all members ACMT - both Fellows in Training and those who have completed fellowships and are out in practice.  We will provide the knowledge support for your mentoring relationship.