GUMC Mentoring Program: Pod Leader

What is a pod leader?

A Pod Leader leads a small learning group throughout the 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.

Pod Leader Time Requirements Part 1
Activity	Time Needed	Frequency
Pod Leader Orientation	1 hour	Once, week before first cohort session
Cohort Sessions	90 minutes; 4:30 – 6 PM ET	First month: two sessions Months 2 – 4: one session per month
Prep Work	30 minutes; asynchronous	Before each cohort session
Group Coaching Sessions*	60 minutes each, 12 – 1 PM ET	Months 2 – 4: one session per month

*Group Coaching Sessions: Pod leaders will receive professional development through group coaching sessions focused on topics related to mid- and senior-level career faculty.

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

Pod Leader Time Requirements Part 2
Activity	Time Needed	Frequency
Pod Check In	45 minutes; scheduled at mutually convenient time for pod leader and pod members	Once a month

Benefits of Participating

Professional development coaching through 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:

Must have either completed the Entering Mentoring Program within the last five years or have equivalent formal or informal faculty mentoring experience/training.

Must be able to commit to the aforementioned time requirements

Must have had a full time faculty appointment for at least 3 years and have more than 2 years experience at GUMC.

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.

Applications are closed for the Fall 2023 Cohort. We will have another cohort in Spring 2024. Please contact gumcmentoring@georgetown.edu if you are interested or have any questions.

Have more questions?

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

Testimonials

“[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

This experience gave me an opportunity to reflect on my career goals, to think about resources available to help meet those goals and help create a network within the POD to use shared experiences to help encourage professional development. I was able to think about opportunities to improve my leadership skills and communication skills to facilitate reflection and career growth within the POD group.
Pod Leader from Spring 2021