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Welcome to RISE DermPA
The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is pleased to offer RISE DermPA, a mentorship initiative inspired by and developed in response to direct feedback from our members.
This new program is designed to foster your professional development, provide expert guidance, and build enduring relationships within the dermatology community.
Why RISE DermPA?
As an SDPA member, you can take advantage of this program—at no cost.
RISE DermPA provides opportunities for experienced dermPAs to help guide the next generation, and gives all members, regardless of experience level, opportunities to learn from each other.
Benefits for Mentees
- Access to valuable guidance and insights tailored to dermPAs.
- Opportunities to build a professional network with experienced mentors.
- Get the support you need to feel confident as you navigate your career.
Benefits for Mentors
- Opportunities to develop and enhance your leadership and teaching skills.
- A platform to give back to the dermPA community by guiding the next generation.
- Experience the fulfillment of contributing to a mentee's professional development and growth.
Grow Together with RISE DermPA
Whether you are just beginning your dermPA journey or are an experienced clinician, RISE DermPA connects you with peers and leaders who can support your growth, share practical insights, and help you thrive in the dermatology community.
How it Works
Once you have matched with a mentor or mentee, it’s time to kick off your RISE DermPA experience. We encourage mentors to lead the first call by walking through the Discovery Call Guidelines for Mentors.
Mentees are responsible for driving the relationship—they should come prepared with clear goals, take initiative, and actively pursue the objectives they want to achieve through the program.
Every mentoring relationship is unique. Together, you and your mentor can chart your own path, set goals and expectations, and find direction that fits your journey—whether you meet locally or across the country.
Commitment & Meeting Cadence
To create a meaningful relationship, we ask for a minimum commitment of six months.
Participants should meet at least once per month with a defined agenda to keep conversations purposeful and productive.
Start with a Discovery Call
Mentors are encouraged to lead the first conversation using the Discovery Call Guidelines to set expectations, establish communication preferences, and begin building rapport. View PDF
Mentees Drive the Relationship
Mentees should bring clear goals and take responsibility for maintaining momentum, tracking progress, and communicating their needs.
Shape Your Unique Journey
Set goals, expectations, and a rhythm that fit your needs. Your partnership can thrive whether you're in the same city or connecting virtually from across the country.
Notes for a Successful Mentorship
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Take initiative and communicate.
Be proactive in reaching out, following up, and keeping conversations progressing. -
Prepare for your meetings.
Bring talking points, questions, and reflections on your progress. -
Respect each other's time.
Keep commitments and provide advance notice for scheduling conflicts. -
Be professional and gracious.
Interact respectfully and with appreciation for each other's perspectives.
Mentor & Mentee Capacity
- Mentors may support more than one mentee if they can dedicate enough time and attention to each relationship.
- Mentees may only have one mentor at a time to maintain clarity, focus, and continuity.
How to Enroll
Getting started with RISE DermPA is simple. Follow these three steps to sign up, find the right match, and begin engaging in a meaningful mentorship relationship.
Enroll with Your SDPA Login
Using your SDPA login credentials, enroll in RISE DermPA by completing your profile, selecting your role (mentor, mentee, or both), and outlining your preferences. An accurate and detailed profile helps ensure a strong match—the more information you provide, the better your match potential.
Find Your Match & Reach Out
Use the Search function to identify potential mentors or mentees that align with your criteria. RISE DermPA calculates match potential based on your mentorship goals and preferences. Click on profiles to explore potential matches.
Ready to connect? Request a connection and send a personalized message. Pending connections appear on your dashboard, where you can track request statuses. You’ll receive email and Mentor Match notifications once a connection is accepted.
Collaborate in Your Workspace
Once connected, both mentor and mentee gain access to a shared engagement workspace. Communicate, share resources, schedule meetings, set goals, and provide feedback—all in a single, user-friendly environment designed to support your professional development journey.
Resources
Explore guides, templates, and opportunities designed to support a successful mentorship experience.
Expectations for Mentors and Mentees
Understand shared responsibilities and best practices for a productive mentorship relationship.
View PDFDiscovery Call Guidelines for Mentors
Prepare for your first mentor–mentee conversation with helpful prompts and guidance.
View PDFConversation Prompts
Use these sample conversation starters to ignite conversations.
Download templateMentorship FAQs
Find answers to common questions about matching, participation, and expectations.
View FAQsPlatform Guide
A step-by-step guide to navigating the mentorship platform and using its features.
View guideEmerging Scholars Program
The Emerging DermPAs Scholars Program supports early-career DermPAs through mentorship, funding, and targeted education to build skills, connections, and long-term success in dermatology.
Learn moreCommittees
SDPA relies on dedicated volunteer leaders who guide our mission and strengthen the DermPA profession through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Discover Ways to Serve
Contact Us
Society of Dermatology Physician Associates.400 Virginia Ave SW, Suite 610
Washington, DC
Phone: 844-337-6727
Email: afalls@dermpa.org
