Insight into development of a mentorship program in a professional pharmacy organization

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Pharmacy Practice Section appointed a task force charged with developing a formal, national mentorship program for association section members. This manuscript provides insight into the creation of a mentorship program in a professional organization.

Eighteen task force volunteers were divided into four sub-teams, along with a chair and vice chair. Sub-team responsibilities were segmented into the following: (1) mission and vision development, (2) structure and content, (3) assessment and impact, and (4) dissemination and scholarship. Task force members were surveyed to generate recommendations for creating a formal mentorship program within a professional organization and reflect on the process.

Seven of 14 eligible task force members completed the questionnaire (50% response rate). Most participants were mid-career, involved in a range of development aspects, and represented both committee members and leadership within the task force. The average time commitment was 15-19 hours over the year. The most common resource utilized was published literature and guidance documents. Identified needs included validated assessment tools, a wider range of exemplary programs to review, and guidance on broader organizational support. Strengths included organization and sub-team structure. Areas for improvement included coordination between sub-teams and resources available. Participants noted the challenges of creating a program to meet the diverse needs of a large membership.

This manuscript demonstrates the feasibility and evidence-based approach in creation of a mentorship program within a national organization.