ILAE Mentoring Program

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” - John Crosby

Mentoring allows people to learn from one another, providing a path to knowledge transfer. It is a reciprocal and collaborative learning relationship between two individuals with mutual goals and shared accountability for the outcomes and success of the relationship.

The ILAE Mentoring Program is a joint effort of ILAE and ILAE-YES that aims to provide a structured framework for mentoring relationships, setting clear goals and expectations for both the mentees and mentors.
The program involves a defined timeline of one year, with regular/monthly meetings or interactions between mentors and mentees and specific objectives or milestones to be achieved. It also incorporates quarterly online training, including guided coaching and workshops, to enhance mentoring and provide resources to support personal growth and development to all involved.

Overall, the purpose of the new structured ILAE Mentoring Program is to create a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes learning, personal growth, and professional advancement for the mentees while leveraging the expertise and experience of mentors to guide and empower them along their journey. Mentors can make a positive difference in the lives of their mentees, develop leadership skills, expand their network, and receive inspiration for their personal growth.

Vision and scope

Initiating the ILAE Mentoring Program is an important step toward shaping the next generations of successful professionals in epileptology. The structure and accountability provided with defined goals, mentor/mentee training, and an established communication platform will elevate the connection between mentors and mentees across disciplines and geographical regions and beyond the confines of informal or short-term mentoring. In conjunction with the ILAE Leadership Program, the newly developed ILAE Mentoring Program will help build future leaders of ILAE, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the epilepsy community.