The Anatomy Scholars Program (ASP) was created to support early-stage faculty and [senior level students, residents or fellows who aim to become faculty] who have or are facing hardships or barriers in academia, particularly in anatomy and related fields in the USA and Canada. This comprehensive 2-year program includes pairing scholars with a mentor who is also a member of the organization. Scholars will be early-career members transitioning into their first independent position as faculty in an anatomy-related field. ASP Mentors must be committed to supporting progression of scholars in anatomy and STEM.

The role of the ASP Mentor includes but is not limited to:

• Meeting one-on-one with their Scholar Mentee every three to four months via videoconference or in person if practical. One-on-one meetings will include discussion of reflections written by Scholars relating to perceived transition challenges and monthly self- reported activities.
• Helping with writing Scholarly materials (curriculum vitae, educator portfolios, grants, publication guidance, guidance in peer-review processes)
• Providing written feedback on self-reported activities, reflections, and plan by the Scholar.
• Encouraging autonomy 
• One or two ASP Mentors will meet with a small group of Scholars every six months, enabling the Scholars to build a community of peers.

Criteria & Eligibility

• Applicants must be a AAA member
• Demonstrated experience in mentorship (particularly faculty in academia)
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion

Expectations of mentors: 

• 2-year commitment of formal, longitudinal mentoring for an ASP Scholar
• Complete a short Mentor Training Program, upon acceptance and prior to start of the program (and Mentor-Scholar matching), and sign confidentiality/communication agreement
• Meet 1:1 with Scholar mentee at least once every 3-4 months via videoconference, or in person if practical, and provide regular written feedback to Scholar related to:
  ○ Scholar reflections on ASP program and faculty transition, Scholarly materials (curriculum vitae, educator portfolios, grants, publication guidance, peer-review process guidance, etc.)
• Participate in small group Scholar meetings (approximately once every 6 months), where multiple Scholars and ASP Mentors will meet virtually or in-person to foster community
• If attending AAA Annual meeting, attend a portion of the ASP Annual Retreat, to meet Scholars and fellow ASP Mentors