Amanda Arnold, education and training specialist; Heather Fleming, assistant director of faculty affairs; and Alice Nolen, faculty affairs specialist, will join this year’s cohort as mentees. Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty affairs and faculty development, has been selected to serve as a mentor.
The GFA Mentoring Circles Program is a year-long, cohort-based initiative that connects faculty affairs professionals from academic medical institutions across the country. Rather than pairing individuals in a one-on-one relationship, the program organizes participants into “mentoring circles” — small groups of five to seven mentees and two to three mentors who meet regularly throughout the year. The goal is to promote networking, peer support, and shared learning on topics relevant to faculty affairs and professional development.
Each circle is thoughtfully composed based on career goals, institutional roles, and areas of interest, with the intent to foster meaningful collaboration and cross-institutional connection. Monthly meetings follow a structured curriculum provided by the GFA, focusing on topics like leadership development, GFA committee involvement, and best practices in career advancement.
Reflecting on her decision to apply, Arnold shared: “I joined the GFA Mentoring Circles Program because I wanted to connect with others who do similar work and learn from their experiences. Being part of a mentoring circle gives me a chance to grow professionally while also contributing to a supportive community.”
The staff members' involvement represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity for the institution to engage with the broader national conversation around faculty development and leadership in academic medicine.
