Things to Consider in You Job Search: Mentoring

With many new grads having just passed the NPTE or are currently studying for the NPTE, the next step is to begin searching for your dream job. While there are many factors to consider such as setting, productivity expectations, compensation and more, probably one of the most frequently sought items is mentoring, but does everyone really understand what mentoring really entails?

There are many jobs to advertise mentoring with few actually failing to live up to expectations. There are also different types of mentoring. Having completed a residency myself and being a residency faculty mentor, my experience has been one on one patient treatment and discussion. We problem solve various cases together and challenge each other on why we are doing what we are doing and possible alternatives. While that version of mentoring is ideal, it is unrealistic for employers to offer that regularly. Mentoring for other employers may mean journal clubs, chart audits, or case discussion with one of your co-workers. The concept of mentoring is understood in such a variety of ways that it is essential that prior to interviewing, you should make sure you understand what YOU want and what the employer is offering.

Now if the job you take doesn't offer what you are looking for, there are other avenues as well. Discussion regularly occurs on social media groups regarding cases or general topics, although, you may have to put up with some preaching occasionally on specific treatment approaches. Additionally, there are services you can pay for where you pay for an expert's time to discuss cases or whatever you want (such as Dr. E at Modern Manual Therapy). If looking for advanced treatment or assessment ideas, you can check out our Insider Access Page. For those looking for a long-term commitment to mentoring and clinical reasoning development in addition to learning advanced techniques, you can look for a program to join, such as Optim Manual Therapy's COMT program or other system based or non-system based programs. These can help to develop your clinical reasoning overall and hands-on skill. Programs like Optim, offer weekly case discussion online as part of the program. The key for you is to know what you want in mentoring, and then to go find it!

-Dr. Chris Fox, PT, DPT, OCS

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For more advanced examination and treatment techniques, check out The Insider Access Page. Our goal is to help you improve your clinical reasoning, exercise prescription, and manual techniques.

If you are looking to improve upon your clinical skills, orthopaedic knowledge and clinical decision making, consider joining OPTIM's COMT program. With OPTIM, you can expect a residency-like learning experience without breaking the bank, all while learning from highly skilled physical therapists. Check out optimfellowship.com for more information!