GUMC Mentoring Program: Pod Leader

Applications for Fall 2025 Cohort are Open!

For the September 2025 Cohort, we are seeking up to 5 pod leaders.  Applications to be a pod leader  are due by Friday, April 11, 11:59 PM ET.

What is a pod leader?

A Pod Leader facilitates a small group (pod) as part of this eight month mentoring program to deepen the discussions and enrich the learning experience of the mentoring cohort. The Pod Leaders, with the support of the program managers, will be responsible for facilitating small group breakouts during scheduled large group meetings, assist each of the small group members with the professional learning activities, and provide guidance on possible mentors for each of the small group members. The Pod Leader will serve as a coach in that the purpose is to collaborate with the small group members as a group and individually to provide guidance and thought provoking discussion to inspire the mentee to reach his/her professional potential.

Time Requirements

Part 1: Professional Development Planning (Months 1 – 4)

All events are virtual via Zoom.

*As a benefit, all pod leaders will receive career development coaching from Certified Executive Life Coach, Laurie Dromerick, RN, BSN, PCC.   Her services will include:

• 90 minute group session:  What’s Next?  Vision and Goals Workshop
  • This workshop uses interactive exercises to foster clarity and vision across all domains of your life. You’ll craft tangible and achievable goals that align with your aspirations and concrete actions to move you forward.
• Three – Four 60 minute individual coaching sessions: “Coaching offers you a dedicated pause to prioritize your well-being and design the life you want to lead. Through one-on-one sessions, you’ll gain clarity on your strengths, overcome challenges, and set meaningful goals. Expect to build confidence, navigate career demands with greater ease, strengthen your leadership skills, and foster deeper personal connections. Whether you’re pursuing research, providing exceptional patient care, or advancing in leadership, coaching will help you manage competing priorities without burning out. You’ll develop essential skills in communication, negotiation, and management, positioning yourself for meaningful career growth and long-term fulfillment. Our confidential sessions offer a judgment-free space to tackle fears, resolve challenges, and create lasting, purposeful change — all tailored to your unique needs. As your coach, I’m passionate about helping high-achieving, motivated people like you expand your perspective, build confidence, and grow into the next generation of scientific and clinical leaders. Coaching gives you practical tools that traditional academic mentoring might not cover — tools that can set you up for success at work and in life. By strengthening these skills, you’ll feel more resilient, fulfilled, and ready to make a real impact — both in your own life and in the lives of others. I look forward to working with you.”

Part 2: Professional Development Implementation (Months 5 – 8)

Benefits of Participating

• Professional development coaching through individual and group coaching sessions
• Significant service opportunity necessary for promotion
• Leadership opportunity
• Growing network
• Access to program resources and learning

Please also see testimonials at the end of this page.

Application Process

If you are interested in being a pod leader, you must meet the following qualifications:

Pod Leaders will be assigned a maximum of five affinity group members (faculty members with similar goals, career paths, and departments) as best as possible.

Applicants will be selected based on ability to commit to all program activities and representation across disciplines.

For the September 2025 Cohort, we are seeking up to 5 pod leaders.  Applications to be a pod leader  are due by Friday, April 11, 11:59 PM ET.

Please contact gumcmentoring@georgetown.edu if you are interested or have any questions.

Have more questions?

We will be hosting two virtual open house information sessions to learn more about the program and ask questions for anyone interested in either participating as a Mentee or Pod Leader on: 

• Tuesday, March 25 at 12 PM ET
• Tuesday, April 8 at 4:30 PM ET 

You can email gumcmentoring@georgetown.edu with any questions.

Testimonials

“[Some of the greatest benefits of being a pod leader include the] accountability to myself in doing what I suggested mentees do, the [Certified Executive Life] Coach, meeting some important personal/professional goals, meeting people from other disciplines, being a cheerleader for others, and feeling like I was helping others.”

Pod Leader from Spring 2023

“[Some of the greatest benefits of being a pod leader include the] ability to give back to junior faculty by way of facilitated and focused discussions  [and] be a part of their career development and aspirations as well as challenges they face at the workplace”

Pod Leader from Fall 2022

“It is great to help facilitate some networking opportunities and see engagement and excitement about careers in medicine.”

Pod Leader from Spring 2022