Medical ProfessionalsMembers ResourcesASDS Diversity, Equity and InclusionRise Up Mentorship Program

Rise Up Mentorship Program

 

Mentor Application

Applications are no longer being accepted for mentees.

The ASDS Rise Up Mentorship Program supports underrepresented minority (URM*) individuals in dermatology who are looking for guidance and to expand their support network.


About the Program

If there were ever a time to address mentorship for underrepresented minority (URM)* and sexual and gender minority (SGM) / LGBTQ  dermatologists, it's now. Recent events leading to increased awareness of social injustices have moved ASDS to new levels of action toward improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the dermatology community and the organization. The Rise Up Mentorship Program is one way ASDS nurtures and supports the careers of dermatologists from underrepresented backgrounds to create a greater sense of inclusion and belonging.

This mentorship program pairs seasoned mentors with mentees to share their professional knowledge, skills and experiences. In a successful mentorship, a mentor can help his/her mentee make connections, provide exposure to opportunities and develop leadership acumen.  Mentors can coach, give advice on career advancement and encourage mentees to show up and show out in the fullness of their genuine selves.

*URM is defined as Black, African-American, Mexican-American, Native-American (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian), and mainland Puerto Rican populations.

Expectations

It is expected that mentees and mentors will:

  • Agree on the goals of the mentorship relationship, including the frequency of communication and complete a Mentoring Relationship Agreement.
  • View a one-hour webinar entitled, “Jumpstart Your Mentorship.”
  • Participate in the virtual introductory mentee and mentor meeting.
  • Attend the Rise Up Mentorship Reception at the ASDS Annual Meeting.

Participants will be recognized by the Society in Currents, on the website and during the Annual Membership Meeting at the Annual Meeting. The greatest value for your participation is the satisfaction you will feel by making a difference!

Mentee and mentor applicants are also encourged to become a DEI Ambassador.

2023–24 Cohort

Mentee Name Mentor Name
Isabella Camacho, MD Deirdre Hooper, MD
Marie Clark, MD David Ozog, MD
Jose L. Cortez, MD Nahid Vidal, MD
Andrea Medina Gonzalez, MD Rawaa Almukhtar, MD
Simone Montgomery, MD Nicole Negbenebor, MD
Brianna Olamiju, MD M. Laurin Council, MD, MBA
Omobola Onikoyi, MD Kanya Ferguson, MD
Dr. Patricia Oyetakin, MD Jeanine Downie, MD
Manoj Pawar, MD Rebecca Tung, MD
Victoria Perez, MD Cyndi Yag-Howard, MD
Marla A. Rodriguez Vazquez, MD Hema Sundaram, MD, MA
Monica Rosales Santillan, MD Kiyanna Williams, MD
Camila Villa Ruiz, MD, MPH Lawrence Green, MD

 

Mentee Information

Mentee Expectations

  • In the application process, please indicate how you self-identify, in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and/or gender identity OR if you identify as an ally of URM and LGBTQ people.  
  • Share in 250–300 words how your racial / ethnic identity, sexual / gender identity and/or intersectionality has shaped your path to and experiences within the medical profession and the specialty of dermatology.

Should you meet the eligibility requirement, you are asked to:

  • Agree on the goals of the mentorship relationship, including the frequency of communication, and complete a Mentoring Relationship Agreement.
  • Participate in the virtual introductory mentee and mentor meeting.
  • Select a project you hope to complete with your mentor's support.
  • View a one-hour webinar entitled, “Jumpstart Your Mentorship.”
  • Connect with your mentor(s) at least once a month (encouraged).
    • Be open
    • Ask for help, support and guidance when needed
  • Attend the Rise Up Mentorship Reception on Friday, Oct. 18 from 6–7:30 p.m. during the ASDS Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

For more information on the program, please contact ASDS Governance Manager Tamika Walton at twalton@asds.net.