Massey Recognized for Exceptional Mentorship

Janice M. Massey, MD, FAAN, was recently named the recipient of the 2023 Leading in Excellence Through Mentorship Award. The award recognizes an exceptional mentor who has participated in one or more of the AAN’s Leadership Development Programs, made a significant impact in the life and career of their mentee(s), and encouraged their mentee(s) to maximize their potential and successfully achieve the goals set forth in their respective program.

In her nomination of Massey, 2019 Transforming Leaders Program graduate Amy Chen, MD, PhD, FAAN, said, “Dr. Massey is a forefront leader in neuromuscular medicine. She is generous in sharing her experience and knowledge, and genuinely interested in fostering mentees’ growth and development. Her insights and advice were influential in helping me develop a telehealth program in 2019 (pre-Covid!) to provide synchronized expertise care for patients with neuromuscular diseases, who were located at an institution-affiliated spoke clinic. She is a role model for me and many, as she is a leader who inspires and motivates mentees to strive for excellence in a collective way. I am fortunate and grateful for Dr. Massey’s mentorship in the 2018–2019 Transforming Leadership Program and beyond.”

“I am most honored and pleased to receive this award,” said Massey, a former member of the AAN’s Board of Directors who has served as a mentor for the AAN’s Leadership Development Programs for six years.

“Serving as a mentor has been one of my most rewarding professional experiences. Mentoring initially seemed an ambiguous work when first asked to ‘mentor’ someone or a group. I presumed I would be faced with helping with specific problems. But, I learned it is not telling someone what to do but most typically involves simply listening and providing affirmation or perspective to the mentee. Many times, mentees know what direction to choose but are relieved if given encouragement.

Occasionally offering an alternative vision is helpful. Mentors serve as a ‘safe port in the storm,’ which everyone needs at some point in life.” 

Applications Open for Women Leading in Neurology and Transforming Leaders Programs

Don’t miss your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in Women Leading in Neurology and Transforming Leaders programs. The application period will open September 19 and close October 31, 2023. Past participants of the AAN Leadership Development Programs have found them to be an essential supplement to their careers, the neurology profession, and patient care. Learn more about the programs and eligibility requirements at AAN.com/Lead 