January marks National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentoring in unlocking potential and fostering growth. Mentorship is a vital tool for cultivating inclusion, supporting career and academic development, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Here at the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, our faculty, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and staff are actively engaged in mentoring initiatives that span all levels of our organization. Through robust programs, we provide meaningful guidance and professional development opportunities for residents, faculty, CRNAs, and employees of color.
OUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS
Faculty Mentorship Program
Our Faculty Mentorship Program enhances the mentor-mentee experience with innovative tools for matching, integrated educational opportunities, seamless meeting scheduling, and pre-scheduled feedback surveys. Participants can choose from three pathways: peer-to-peer clinical faculty mentoring, new faculty onboarding, and peer-to-peer research faculty mentoring. Faculty members are encouraged to sign up as mentors, mentees, or both, ensuring a tailored mentorship experience that fosters career growth and academic success.
CRNA Mentoring Programs
We offer two pathways for nurse anesthesia mentorship:
CRNA-CRNA Peer Mentorship Program: This program pairs experienced CRNAs with their less experienced colleagues, focusing on professional growth, clinical skill enhancement, career progression, and personal development.
UPP CRNA-Pitt SRNA Mentorship Program: Designed for student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), this initiative provides guidance on skill development, career navigation, and acclimation to the nurse anesthesia profession and UPMC culture.
Anesthesiology Residency Mentorship Program
This program pairs residents with faculty advisors who provide critical support and career planning during their training. Through mentorship, residents receive guidance on clinical practice, exam preparation, work-life balance, and career transitions. The program plays a pivotal role in shaping confident, competent, and well-rounded anesthesiologists.
UPMC Diversity Mentorship Program
Co-led by UPMC Shadyside nurse anesthetist David A. Snyder, MSN, CRNA, this program focuses on empowering emerging leaders among employees of color at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside. The one-on-one mentorship framework fosters positive relationships, accelerates professional development, and creates a supportive environment for growth and success.
GET INVOLVED
We invite all members of our department to participate in these impactful mentorship programs as mentors or mentees. Together, we can continue to support each other’s growth, foster diversity, and inspire excellence.
Visit our mentorship page to learn more and get involved.