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A Letter from the APTA President

Dear APTA Member:

APTA is pleased to provide this exclusive, members-only resource. The purpose of the Members Mentoring Members (MMM) program is to link experienced individuals, both women and men, with those who have similar interests but lack experience. APTA does not match mentors and proteges, but rather is providing the MMM resources to encourage potential proteges to personally contact prospective mentors.

This innovative program could have implications for the entire physical therapy profession. For example, mentoring relationships could help bolster recruitment and retention efforts, and may also provide an effective strategy for continued professional development and growth in physical therapy practice, education and research. Further, sustained career success often requires the assistance of people willing to support and encourage another's career development -- a mentor. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor has identified the lack of mentoring as one of the "organizational or attitudinal barriers" preventing professional advancement, especially for women. Lastly, by sharing their wisdom, insights, and experiences, mentors can give back to the profession and at the same time derive the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others realize their potential.

With this in mind, APTA's Women's Initiatives created the Members Mentoring Members program and directory. The directory lists expertise in practice specialty areas, as well as career issues such as leadership, balancing work and family, and negotiation skills. In addition, a Speakers' Bureau has also been developed for those members interested in presenting on different topics at the local, chapter, or national level. The Speakers' Bureau Directory is also available free to members; search online under Member Benefits on APTA's Web page; or to order a copy contact APTA's Service Center at 800/999-APTA, ext. 3395 (order #P-155).

APTA continues to recruit mentors and speakers, continually updating the online directories. To participate in the Members Mentoring Members program, contact the Women's Initiatives department at 800/999-APTA, ext. 8596. APTA members can also access information about the program via the Web site. Application forms for prospective mentors and/or speakers are also available on APTA's Web page. I encourage you to take full advantage of these exclusive programs, and thank you for your time and effort on behalf of the physical therapy profession.

Sincerely,

R. Scott Ward, PT, PhD President