Welcome to the AOA Mentor Program. 

The AOA strongly believes that mentoring is an essential component of the learning experience for students, interns, residents and young practitioners, and it also enhances the understanding of the mentors in their exchanges with mentees in understanding the issues they face.   Most importantly, mentoring is intended to provide participants in the program with the support and guidance that they seek to become physicians who are dedicated to the goals of the osteopathic medical profession.  Since osteopathic medicine places its emphasis on treating patients, not symptoms, the AOA believes the mentees in the program become physicians who are first and foremost dedicated to the importance of quality health care and the patient/physician relationship.

The Program was initially conceived in 2003 by then AOA President, Darryl Beehler DO. George Thomas, DO, and Philip L. Shettle, DO followed in their presidencies with themes that built on patient-centered care and pride in the osteopathic profession. This set the foundation for the AOA mentor program that continues today.

The Program is composed of three parts: the Mentor Recognition Program; the Mentor Exchange Program; and the Mentor Hall of Fame. 

The Mentor Recognition Program, in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, seeks to recognize outstanding mentors.  Nominations for the "Mentor of the Year" will be accepted until July 18.  To find out more about the program or to nominate a mentor, please click on the logo or the link.

The Mentor Exchange is where to sign up to be a mentor, or find a mentor.

Mentor Hall of Fame  - All nominees for the "Mentor of the Year" are inducted into the Hall of Fame.