Rad Idea

from ICE Magazine June 2022

Director’s Cut

BY JOHN WALLACE

CONSIDER BEING A MENTOR

One career development opportunity for imaging professionals (and really every type of professional) is a mentorship. The Business News Daily website provides a good explanation of a mentorship.

“Mentorship is a mutually beneficial professional relationship in which an experienced individual (the mentor) imparts knowledge, expertise and wisdom to a less experienced person (the mentee), while simultaneously honing their mentoring skills. An effective mentor can professionally guide the mentee while maintaining a friendly and supportive relationship. A mentor should always have the mentee’s best interests in mind and tailor their mentorship style to meet the needs of the mentee,” an article by Matt D’Angelo explains.

The article also suggests three things individuals should keep in mind when considering a mentorship. The three items are: • Define what you want out of your career and what you need to learn to get there. • Approach a mentor relationship as if it’s a business friendship – be casual and friendly, and try not to ask weird questions like, “Will you be my mentor?” • Start with your professional network. Individuals often already have mentors who provide advice in various ways, and all it takes is a little effort to grow that connection into an ongoing relationship. Do you know about the AHRA mentor program?

That’s right, the AHRA provides mentorships opportunities to its members. The AHRA Mentor Program was developed as part of the organization’s mission to be a resource and catalyst for the development of professional leadership in medical imaging management. In doing so, it is the organization’s hope that AHRA and its members will continue to be a driving force toward improving the health care environment.

“The goal of the program is to bring members together for professional development by connecting those who have certain areas of expertise with those who are looking to broaden their skills and knowledge. The goals of both the mentor and mentee should ultimately be to strengthen the future of medical imaging management by empowering the individual,” the AHRA website states.

“Interested volunteers, both mentors and mentees, fill out an online application which is used, in turn, to create suitable matches,” the website adds. “The outcome of the relationship is expected to benefit both parties for personal growth, career development, lifestyle enhancement, goal achievement and other areas mutually agreed upon. Both mentoring and reverse mentoring are offered. When you are matched, you will be contacted by AHRA staff with your partner’s name and contact information. The matching process is based on availability.” •

For more information, and to apply for the program, visit tinyurl.com/2p89hxvr.

Share your RAD IDEA via an email to jwallace@mdpublishing.com.