Mentorship Program

Proper mentorship is key to the growth and development of future physiatrists and leaders. Our program officially offers two unique mentorship programs aimed at Career Development and Research Development. A career mentor is assigned to all residents when they start their PGY-2 year. Residents will meet with their mentor quarterly to discuss short-term clinical goals, educational goals, wellness and long-term career aspirations. Residents are given an opportunity to change career mentors in their PGY-3 year once they have solidified their career path, so that their career mentor can match their career goals.

Exploring research can be daunting at the start of a residency program with so many opportunities within the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern. In an effort to guide our residents in their research goals, all residents are assigned a Research Process Mentor midway through their PGY-2 year. Residents will meet with their mentor semi-annually to discuss their research interests and the process of research. The Research Process Mentor can help guide the resident toward scientists who are working in their area of interest. Residents will ultimately find a Research Content Mentor who will be the faculty member who directly supervises them on their research project. A resident often does not actually do a research project with their Research Process Mentor. This mentor is intended to guide each resident through key concepts in research, rather than a specific project. So whether you are a skilled scientist with years of experience or relatively new to the research process, we ensure that all of our residents have additional support to reach their goals.