Mentorship can be a critical segue into the field of infectious diseases, giving mentees important insights from experienced ID professionals and offering mentors the satisfaction of supporting a young professional following in their footsteps. Experienced mentors can guide and support the next generation of ID professionals, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build a successful career in ID. Through the iDmentorship365 program, mentees will gain valuable insights and perspectives and receive feedback and advice that can help them grow and succeed in their careers. Overall, mentorship can ensure that we have a strong and capable workforce prepared to address important public health threats. 

This program fosters effective mentor/mentee interactions incorporating three key elements: professional development, education and a vision for the mentee’s future career.

Program Benefits: 

• 1-year electronic subscription to Clinical Infectious Diseases and The Journal of Infectious Diseases
• 1-year membership in the Infectious Diseases Society of America
• Ongoing access to ID-related calendar of activities, career pathways and other curated content, peer-based discussion groups, professional development webinars and other mentored activities through the IDSA mentorship community platform.
• IDWeek benefits, which include:
  • Registration to IDWeek and a $750 travel stipend (for those who attend)  
  • iDMentorship365 Luncheon and Happy Hour networking activities during IDWeek
  • Exclusive access to the headshot booth and NextGen Lounge and reserved VIP seating at IDBugBowl
  • Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Student Meetups  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my role as a mentor? 

iDMentorship365 mentors are valuable resources to emerging ID leaders. As a mentor, you are expected to share your knowledge and professional experiences with your mentees, answer their questions about the field and find ways to offer personalized learning experiences.

What is the time commitment?

iDMentorship365 is a year-long mentorship program that will officially kick off at IDWeek.  Mentees and mentors should prepare to meet regularly for the rest of the year as part of the new iDMentorship365 program. Ideally, mentees should plan to have an introductory meeting with their mentor prior to IDWeek and meet regularly throughout the year. Mentees should also plan to take advantage of the mentee discussion groups and the professional development webinar series available through the mentorship community platform. 

How do I schedule the meetings with my mentee/mentor?

The first meetings must be scheduled via the IDSA mentorship community platform. The mentorship platform will allow you to integrate your calendars, share your availability and schedule meetings at your discretion. You are encouraged to use the IDSA mentorship community platform to facilitate initial contact and schedule meetings to be held within or external to the platform.  

Can I switch mentee or mentors part way through the program?

We do our best to match mentees and mentors based on the information provided in their applications. There will be a rematch period where mentors or mentees can notify us if they have concerns about their match. Due to the limited number of mentors, we encourage matches to remain paired. 

Can I reapply if I participated in last year’s program?

Yes, we have many mentees who participate in the program over multiple years as their needs change. We also have seen mentees transition to a mentor role over time. 

Can I serve as both a mentee and mentor?

Yes, residents, fellows and early career professionals (1-3 years post-fellowship) can serve as both mentees and mentors. 

What are the matching criteria for this year’s program?

Applicants are matched based on area of subspecialty interest (i.e., pediatric, transplant, clinical research, etc.), experience, level of medical training, etc. Senior fellows (year 2 or greater) who choose to serve as mentors will be matched with junior fellows (year 1) or residents. Junior fellows who would like to serve as mentors will be matched with medical students.  

What events will I be required to attend? 

Mentees are required to attend the Mentorship Program luncheon and the Network and Chill mentorship reception to qualify for the travel stipend. 

Do you have additional questions? 

Contact us at idmentorship365@idsafoundation.org. 

How do I apply?

Application coming soon.