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Mentorship

Contact mentoring@saoa.org.za for SAOA Mentorship queries and support. Available to active SAOA members in good standing

SAOA MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

Connect. Learn. Grow. Lead.

Our Approach to Mentorship

Every mentoring relationship is unique. The needs, goals and experiences of every mentor and mentee will differ, and there is no single formula for a successful mentoring relationship.

The SAOA Mentorship Programme therefore provides a flexible framework rather than a rigid set of rules. The aim is to create meaningful professional connections that can evolve naturally around the needs, aspirations and circumstances of each mentor and mentee.

At its heart, mentorship is about connection, guidance, encouragement and growth.

We encourage participants to approach the relationship with openness, curiosity and a willingness to learn from one another. While mentors bring experience and perspective, mentees bring their own knowledge, ambitions and fresh perspectives.

Mentorship is a two-way relationship, and both participants should benefit from it.

Adaptability, mutual respect, confidentiality and active participation are fundamental principles of the programme.

Complete the form below if you are an active SAOA member interested in mentor or mentee opportunities.

e.g. surgical technique, exam preparation, research, career guidance
Specific person/persons. Leave blank if you do not have a preference and the programme co-ordinators will provide pairing/match suggestions.

Consent and Privacy

By submitting this application, I consent to the information provided being collected and used by the SAOA Mentorship Committee for the purposes of administering the mentorship programme, including assessing my application and identifying and allocating a suitable mentor or mentee.

I understand and consent to my name and relevant contact details being shared with a potential mentor/mentee for the purpose of establishing a mentorship relationship. I understand that my information will be treated as confidential and will be retained by the SAOA Mentorship Committee for the administration and ongoing management of the mentorship programme.

I understand that my information will not be used for purposes unrelated to the mentorship programme or shared with third parties without my consent, unless required by law.

By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and understood the above and consent to the collection, use, storage and sharing of my information as described.

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OUR MENTORSHIP PHILOSOPHY

One programme. Many journeys.

We recognise that mentorship will look different for everyone.

For one person, the relationship may focus on navigating training or early career decisions. For another, it may centre around research, subspecialty development, leadership, practice management, career transitions or achieving greater balance throughout a demanding career.

There is no prescribed pathway.

The framework provides structure without rigidity, allowing each mentor and mentee to shape their relationship according to their individual goals and circumstances.

Ultimately, the success of the SAOA Mentorship Programme will be measured not by how closely a relationship follows a set of rules, but by whether it creates meaningful connection, positive growth and lasting value for both mentor and mentee.

Because a great mentor can change the trajectory of a career.

What Do We Mean by Mentorship?

Mentorship is a relationship in which an experienced, respected and knowledgeable individual — the mentor — shares their time, experience and insight to support another SAOA member — the mentee — in their personal, academic and professional development.

A mentor may provide:

  • Guidance and perspective based on experience
  • Support with career development and professional decisions
  • Advice regarding academic and research opportunities
  • Coaching through challenges and career transitions
  • Encouragement to identify and pursue opportunities
  • A sounding board for ideas, concerns and aspirations
  • Insight into navigating the realities of a career in orthopaedic surgery
  • Support in developing leadership and professional skills

The mentee is an active participant in the relationship, bringing their own goals, questions, experiences and aspirations.

Mentorship is not about having all the answers. It is about having someone to guide you, challenge you and support you along the way.

OUR VISION

Building exceptional orthopaedic surgeons — and the mentors of tomorrow.

Mentored SAOA members will develop the knowledge, skills, attributes, attitudes and confidence required to become successful orthopaedic surgeons and, in time, mentors and role models for future generations.

The programme aims to foster a culture within the SAOA in which experience is shared, potential is nurtured and every generation contributes to the growth of the next.

OUR MISSION

To create meaningful mentorship relationships that enable personal, academic and professional growth within the SAOA.

The SAOA will develop, promote and implement a flexible framework that facilitates meaningful mentorship relationships between SAOA members.

Through these relationships, the programme aims to:

CONNECT
Create meaningful professional relationships across generations, practices and areas of expertise.

LEARN
Share knowledge, experience, skills and opportunities.

GROW
Support personal, academic and professional development throughout an orthopaedic career.

LEAD
Develop confident surgeons and future leaders who are inspired to mentor and support those who follow.

Contact us

+27 51  430 3280 (Our main phone lines are currently down. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please contact us via email at info@saoa.org.za.)

  • Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday, Public Holidays: Closed

The South African Orthopaedic Association is not a medical, trauma or emergency service care provider. Please contact a healthcare professional for medical advice or emergencies.

1st Floor, Foyer 3, The Colosseum Century Way, Century City, Cape Town, South Africa, 7442

 

Refiloe Mbentse | admin@saoa.org.za

Bhindu Morar | registry@saoa.org.za

Leana Fourie | info@saoa.org.za

Jeanne-Marie Agnello | membership@saoa.org.za

Copyright 2020 | South African Orthopaedic Association