Purpose
Many members of the SSO have achieved fulfilling careers in Surgical Oncology in community or hybrid health systems, outside of tertiary cancer centers or university medical centers. However, for those who are entering a community practice setting as their first position from training, or those transitioning from a tertiary to a hybrid practice, there currently is no structured guidance available to optimize one’s success in achieving delivery of high-quality Surgical Oncology in the community.
The Community Practice Mentorship Program will pair surgical oncologists entering a community or hybrid practice with SSO members who have realized satisfying careers in similar practice environments.
Mentees selected for the program would gain insight towards navigating system-wide barriers to access, contract negotiations, practice growth and development of a career while maintaining objectives such as teaching & research activities and leadership pathways.
Mentorship Program Focus Areas
- Employment negotiation: work effort FTE distribution (clinical, administrative, etc.), compensation models, malpractice coverage, separation clauses.
- Practice Expectation: Clinical Support (call responsibilities, partnership), mid-level & office staff support, OR block time.
- Defining Teaching & Research opportunities.
- Programmatic Growth of Surgical Oncology (eg robotic HPB, Oncoplastic Breast, etc.) (CoC/NAPBC accreditation)
- Care Excellence in Resource Challenged Setting (advanced GI, IR, etc).
- Sustained Tract towards Leadership (Cancer Committee Chair, Medical Director, CMO).
- Relationship Building & Practice Marketing in the Community.
Structure
This is a one-year program consisting of both group and one-on-one sessions for up to five participants.
All accepted mentees will meet as a group with the CPS committee for a broad discussion of Mentorship Focus Areas at quarterly Zoom meetings.
Mentees will also be expected to meet one-on-one with paired mentors virtually, quarterly, and in person at the annual 2027 and 2028 SSO meetings.
Award Details
Accepted mentees will receive one free annual meeting registration and dues for the next calendar year.
An SSO member in good standing (current year dues paid) who has attended the SSO Annual Meeting in two of the past three years.
A surgical oncologist choosing their first career opportunity after training, or transitioning from academic to a new community practice or hybrid health system position. A surgical oncologist within the first three years of working at a community practice or hybrid health system position.
Applicants must submit a CV and complete an online application consisting of the following questions:
- How many years have you been in practice? Is a career transition to community practice planned or imminent? (max 300 words)
- What are you hoping to gain from this mentorship program? (max 300 words)
The Mentorship Program Focus Areas will be provided to applicants and the applicant shall select the top three focus areas to receive mentorship for, with short responses as to the current professional challenges experienced. - How will your participation in this program impact your involvement in SSO in the future? (max 300 words)
In addition to the review of mentee applications, the Chair or Vice Chair and two to three other member of the CPS Committee will do a video meeting with mentee candidates as part of the ranking of all applicants.
Ranking metrics will be assigned based on the applicants who identify existing practice challenges wherein substantial benefit will be gained by aligning within the Mentorship Focus Area program content.
Mentee selection will be weighed towards return on investment to the SSO by the participants. Mentees completing the program would be invited to service on SSO Committees as appropriate. One mentee may be selected for a future track to CPS Committee leadership.
Community Practice Surgeon Mentees must commit to:
- Complete an online information and agreement form distributed by SSO.
- Submit a summary report about the experience and complete any surveys sent during the program, along with any follow-ups requested by SSO.
- Submit any photos or videos taken during the SSO Annual Meeting and other activities for use on SSO’s social media, website, marketing materials, or for any other use in support of the program.
- Participants may be asked to record audio or video interviews regarding the experience.
SSO member Mentors are an integral part of this program, serving as long-term professional contacts for participants. Mentors will be asked to:
- Meet with their mentees virtually monthly and at the annual meeting.
- Attend at least 2 quarterly group Zoom CPS mentoring meetings.
- Work with the mentee to recognize & analyze existing practice challenges.
- Provide content within the framework of Mentorship Focus Areas to optimize the mentee’s stated goals.
- Complete a mid-year and end-of-year survey to assess mentoring engagement and experience.