CGC Professional Mentor Guidelines

Program Guidelines and Participation Expectations

The CGC Professional Mentor Program operates under the following guidelines to ensure consistency, fairness, ethical engagement, and a positive experience for all participants during both the pilot and full implementation phases.


1. Eligibility and Participation

  • Participation is open to current CGC members in good standing.
  • Mentors and mentees must commit to a 12-month mentoring cycle, with the option to continue informally beyond the program. After the 12 months, they can commit to another year with a new enrollment commitment. They also have the option of extending the commitment on their own.
  • Mentors may be matched with no more than two mentees at any time to ensure appropriate time commitment and quality engagement.
  • Participants must complete required enrollment forms prior to matching.
  • Participation in program feedback and evaluation surveys is required.

2. Mentor Role and Expectations

Mentors are expected to:

  • Serve as professional guides, sounding boards, and resources rather than supervisors or managers.
  • Commit to meeting with their mentee monthly or every 6–8 weeks, as mutually agreed.
  • Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and respectful communication.
  • Provide guidance on career development, professional decision-making, leadership growth, and navigating the field of clinical genetics.
  • Complete 3-month, mid-cycle, and end-of-cycle evaluations.

Mentors are not expected to:

  • Provide clinical advice specific to patient care.
  • Offer employment guarantees, endorsements, or hiring decisions.
  • Replace formal supervision or institutional mentoring.

3. Mentee Role and Expectations

Mentees are expected to:

  • Actively engage in the mentoring relationship by setting goals, preparing for meetings, and following through on agreed actions.
  • Communicate scheduling needs and boundaries respectfully.
  • Seek guidance while maintaining responsibility for their own career decisions.
  • Complete 3-month, mid-cycle, and end-of-cycle evaluations to support program improvement.

4. Matching Process and Confidentiality

  • Mentor–mentee matches are based on shared interests, career goals, professional focus areas, and availability through the aid of AI.
  • Final matching decisions are facilitated by the subcommittee to balance preferences and program capacity.
  • All personal information provided in enrollment forms and mentor bios will be used solely for program purposes and handled in accordance with CGC privacy standards.
  • Participants are expected to respect confidentiality within mentoring discussions.

5. Communication and Engagement

  • Mentor–mentee pairs may determine meeting format (virtual or in-person) and cadence collaboratively.
  • For first meeting set-up, please cc the program subcommittee at cgcmentorprogram@cancergenomics.org
  • The subcommittee will provide orientation materials, suggested discussion prompts, and optional check-in guidance.
  • Participants may contact the subcommittee at cgcmentorprogram@cancergenomics.org for support or concerns during the program.
  • Quarterly program-wide communication may be sent to participants with reminders, resources, and program updates.

6. Feedback, Evaluation, and Quality Improvement

  • A structured check-in will occur approximately three (3) months after the program start date to assess early progress, confirm engagement, and identify any concerns or support needs.
  • Participants will complete brief feedback surveys at mid-cycle and at the end of the program year.
  • Evaluation data will be reviewed in aggregate to identify areas for improvement and inform program expansion.
  • Feedback will not affect participant standing or future eligibility and will be used solely for program refinement.
  • If a change in mentor–mentee pairing or a withdrawal from the program becomes necessary, participants will be asked to complete the appropriate form. A confidential follow-up conversation may be offered to better understand the circumstances and inform program improvement.

7. Professional Conduct and Conflict Resolution

  • Concerns regarding communication challenges, mismatches, or conduct issues should be reported to the subcommittee promptly.
  • The subcommittee reserves the right to reassign or discontinue a mentor–mentee pairing if necessary to maintain program integrity.


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