Stacey A. Watt, MD, MBA, MHPE, FASA

Interim Chair, Anesthesiology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo

The terms mentorship and sponsorship, although often used interchangeably are unique. A mentor is a person who provides advice, support, or coaching. They are the person you call when you need a quick pep talk or thoughts on how to handle a difficult situation. A sponsor is an individual who provides you with opportunities. These individuals advocate for you in settings where you are not present. When an opportunity arises, they are quick to offer your name as an outstanding individual who would be a perfect fit for an important task, new job opportunity or promotion.

Finding both mentors and sponsors intimidates many people, but it shouldn’t be so scary. Mentors are all around us and often are very eager to help you if asked. Sponsors also live within our spaces, but often at higher levels. They observe our work ethic and are advocating for our success. They often see individuals whom they sponsor as proteges or rising stars within organizations and desire success for the organization through the success of the individual they sponsor.

We will talk about how to recognize opportunities to be mentored and how to become a mentor to others. Discussing the many ways we can rise through the help of others and help others as we rise. We will also contrast mentorship to sponsorship and uncover how sponsors are critical to the process of promotion.  Finding opportunities to engage potential sponsor and be advocates for our professional development.

DATE: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

TIME: 3:00 - 4:00pm

PLATFORM: Zoom

For more information, contact scholar1@buffalo.edu or 716-829-4718.