ASCP Mentorship Program Helps Shine a Light on the Professional Path

Nathan Johnson, PhD, MASCP, DLM(ASCP), is often asked if mentorship programs really work. “They really can work, if the mentor and the mentee are committed,” says Dr. Johnson, chair of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, in Little Rock, Ark.

As part of its Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiative, ASCP has established a mentorship workgroup that is intended to give all ASCP members, at all levels, opportunities for professional guidance and support.

“ASCP has a very diverse membership,” Dr. Johnson, who leads the D&I initiative’s mentorship workgroup. “There are no two ASCP members that exactly alike, and thus, the needs of the mentee may not be met within their current professional circle. That is what’s great about the ASCP mentorship program; it gives ASCP members access to mentors from all over the world.”

The ASCP mentorship program is one of the pillars of the ASCP Diversity and Inclusion initiative.  The program gives ASCP members someone who can help shine a light on their professional path and show them the way. The program also allows for mentors to give back and share their professional knowledge.  Both the mentee and the mentor have the opportunity to grow professionally.

“One thing I really appreciate about this program is the built-in flexibility—for example, multiple ways of connecting—and the ability of the mentor and mentee to meet as often or infrequently as needed,” Dr. Johnson says. “There is no pressure on either participant.

“I believe that appropriate mentorship is key to every ASCP member reaching their fullest potential,” he continues. “No matter one’s background, behind every successful professional, you will usually find several key, influential individuals who were mentors to that person. This program will, hopefully, help ASCP members have a few more of these individuals they can call on. I truly hope the ASCP membership will take advantage of this program!”