The Value of Mentorship: SCCM Specialty Section Programs

One of the greatest tools at a clinician’s disposal is seeking advice from a mentor, whether for specific clinical tips or overarching wisdom. Multiple specialty sections within the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) have created structured mentorship programs to help facilitate these connections between its members and share wisdom, knowledge, and skills.

Hear what mentees and mentors have to say about their experiences with these programs.
 

SCCM members can join up to three specialty sections. Connect with other members who share similar interests and advance the specialties that matter most to you. Visit sccm.org/sections to explore all sections.

 

The Mentees’ Experience

Khushi Desai, MBBS
Research Section

My mentorship experience through the SCCM Research Section has been incredibly formative. I initially applied seeking direction in research and a way to structure my long-term academic goals. Dr. Craig Coopersmith, my mentor, met me where I was and helped me understand how to approach research as a gradual, purpose-driven process rather than one of instant gratification, as well as how to break overwhelming tasks like manuscript writing into manageable steps. He also guided me on how to navigate collaborations, choose projects wisely, and realistically plan my career path. His willingness to review my fellowship essay to align with these goals, offer honest feedback, and remain consistently available has been invaluable.

I not only gained practical skills and confidence but also built meaningful academic momentum. I would absolutely participate again as this experience has reinforced the fundamental role of a thoughtful mentor in shaping the trajectory of one’s career. The most rewarding part of this experience has been realizing the wide array of possibilities and opportunities that exist beyond my immediate training environment and developing a clearer, more grounded sense of who I hope to become in the future.
 

Olena Svetlov, DNP, BA, RN, AGNP/CNS, CCRN, PHN, NE, FCNS
Surgery Section

A couple of years before the pandemic, I was trying to elevate my practice by joining a more inclusive professional organization. I was looking for a professional family that reflected daily practice in the ICU where all disciplines come together to deliver the best for our patients. Being a part of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses empowered me to seek more, and I was introduced to this haven: SCCM, an organization that welcomes feedback and learns from each other.

I was first welcomed by the Nursing Section, where nursing legends trained, encouraged, and guided me, including my mentors Marilyn Schallom, PhD, CCNS, FCCM; Daleen Penoyer, PhD, RN, FCCM; and Teresa Rincon, PhD, RN, FCCM. I was able to share with the world the wisdom of caring and moral distress based on literature review on a large stage at that year’s Critical Care Congress, where I had a chance to meet with many clinicians. One of them was an amazing critical care surgeon who invited me to the annual Surgery Section meeting, where an entire new world opened to me. While I was first at the meeting only to observe, the members invited me to speak on various topics as a nurse. 

The mentorship, guidance, and support of leaders from Ariel P. Santos, MD, MPH, FACS, FRCSC, FCCM; Nicole Siparsky, MD, FCCM; Kathleen B. To, MD, FCCM; and Jong O. Lee, MD, FCCM, in the Surgery Section empowered me to build a presentation based on my doctoral work covering delirium prevention and a telemedicine approach for older adults in the ICU. When our team was brainstorming on what the most concerning problems are today for surgical patients in the ICU, we joined with others to write a Critical Connections article, which led to several more projects, including one very impactful in my personal and professional life: the American College of Surgeon's Stop the Bleed Campaign, led by the Surgery Section during the SCCM Critical Care Congress. I had previously been involved with Stop the Bleed and it became a priority once the war in my homeland of Ukraine began. It gave me a strong foundation to support civilians and militia in Ukraine.

The mentorship and camaraderie that I am receiving from SCCM is vital to me on both personal and professional levels. Personally, I became a role model for my three incredible children, and professionally I became a stronger leader for my teams, for my peers, and for my organization. The Society has opened the world of science, connecting me with people with similar interests to elevate care in the world and to truly support my passion to care for others. I am grateful to my family in SCCM.
 

Jennifer S. Lee, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

My mentor and I met monthly on a recurring basis to discuss a wide range of topics, including clinical initiatives, research involvement, and strategies for obtaining fellowship in the American College of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM). I was incredibly fortunate to be paired with a mentor who has held multiple leadership roles within SCCM extending beyond the Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology (CPP) Section and who possesses extensive research experience—an area where I felt I had room to grow.

Her practical advice and willingness to dedicate her time on a regular basis were invaluable. The experience not only strengthened my professional development but also helped me expand my network beyond my own region. It’s truly inspiring to connect with mentors across the country, especially as the scope of pharmacist practice continues to evolve nationwide.
 

Ben Meola, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

I would absolutely join the CPP Section’s mentorship program again. In just the few meetings that we have had so far this year, my mentor has offered great advice, and it is clear she has an interest in helping prepare me for my job search, life after residency, and making the transition from resident to practicing independently. She has provided advice on what to look for in a job, how to prepare for SCCM’s Critical Care Congress, offered to review my CV, and shared her own career experiences. Her insight has been extremely appreciated, especially as I will complete both years of training at the same site, and her fresh perspective from mentors I have here is very welcomed. I'm grateful to my mentor for taking the time to meet, and I would recommend the mentorship program to any resident.
 

Laila Hammad, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

My experience with the mentorship program has been very rewarding. As someone who has stayed at the same institution for pharmacy school and residency, it is refreshing to gain an outside perspective. I like being able to talk through certain disease states and learn about other hospitals’ policies and procedures. My favorite part has been having the chance to pick the brain of someone who was in a similar position to get advice on what they might have done differently when it came to residency and the job search. Overall, it has been a very rewarding experience, and I would do it again as both a mentee and mentor in the future!
 

Alyson Esteves, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

Participating in the Mentor-Mentee Program was an invaluable experience that supported my goal of pursuing FCCM. My mentor provided thoughtful guidance and feedback while reviewing my application materials, which strengthened my preparation for submission. She also introduced me to new CPP Section charges aligned with my interests, helping me broaden my engagement within SCCM. I’m grateful for her mentorship, and I know she will remain a lifelong connection!
 

Daniel Jenniches, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

The CPP Section Mentor-Mentee Program has provided a very positive experience, even in the short time I've been involved. I have been in my current position for seven years and wanted to gain more experience in research, scientific writing, and professional involvement. I was paired with a mentor who had experience in the exact areas I was seeking assistance with. As a result, I was able to gain impactful feedback on several projects that I am currently working on. It was also beneficial to discuss my professional goals with someone who has already been through a similar phase in their career. I would absolutely participate in this program again and I plan to sign up as a mentor in the future. The most rewarding aspect of this program has been being able to take my positive experience and encourage professional development in those I mentor and precept in our pharmacy residency programs.
 

The Mentors’ Experience

Gretchen Sacha, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section

I have been a mentor twice through the  CPP Section Mentor-Mentee Program. I was the chair lead for the program for several years and still participate in the matching process. Participating as a mentor allowed me to challenge my own professional development as I had to self-assess areas in which I could have made different decisions or planned ahead in my professional growth and development. It is also very rewarding to be paired with a mentee at a very junior stage of their career and see them progress and meet the goals they developed with you (as the mentor) through the years. I have seen mentees progress from the residency stage to developing a name for themselves within SCCM and the CPP Section and establishing themselves in a very successful career.
 

Ariel P. Santos, MD, MPH, FACS, FRCSC, FCCM
Surgery Section

Being a mentor is gratifying. Mentorship provides personal and professional satisfaction, especially if we have enthusiastic mentees who hit all the milestones we set. When my mentee Olena Svetlov received the news of her acceptance into the American College of Critical Medicine as a fellow in 2026, I felt the same joy as when I got my FCCM. It transported me to the time when my mentors took a chance on me and generously gave their time to guide me in my career.

This is a way of giving back what was given to me. While a mentoring relationship is first and foremost to benefit the mentee, mentorship is a two-way relationship; it benefits the mentor as well. I gained experience, confidence, and knowledge. It is also equally fulfilling as you reflect on your own life and consider your own lessons as you take the journey into mentorship. This seemed more pronounced in the multidisciplinary world of SCCM.
 

James R. Stone, MD, MBA, CMI, FACS, FCCP, FACFE, FCCM
Surgery Section

My deployment to Ukraine in 2023 included the first class of emergency medicine training, their first laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and a discussion of a trauma surgery training program. While mentoring senior medical students, residents, new attending staff, and Ukrainian practitioners in trauma surgery, general surgery, critical care, and acute care surgery, I was impressed by the changes in training of young attending staff compared to our training. There were positives and negatives given the changed limitations of residents and resources, including limitations in exposure to open surgical cases, a decrease in vascular surgery exposure, varied experience in critical care, and a decrease in total cases at the end of residency. On the positive side was good exposure to laparoscopy and robotics, exposure to research, and an interest in public advocacy for recent events regarding patient interests. 

I walked away from these experiences with an appreciation for the question: Where will surgery be in five or ten years in both the United States and the world, good or bad? My career was blessed with excellent mentors, and that molds your contribution.
 

Craig M. Coopersmith MD, MCCM
Surgery Section

It was a pleasure to work as a mentor to Dr. Khushi Desai. A massive amount of my success in my career has been due to the mentorship I received throughout. The opportunity to pay it forward has been a driving force in the second half of my career, and I am honored any time I can offer mentorship to someone seeking to learn from my past experiences. Although I have mentored numerous SCCM members, this was my first time formally working with someone I had never met. From our extensive in-person interaction at Congress to repeated emails afterward, this was a novel and—I hope—very successful way of working together. I think both of us feel enriched by the experience, one I would happily participate in again in the future!

 

---

Specialty Sections With Mentorship Programs

Are you in one of the below sections and interested in becoming a mentor or mentee? Contact your section cochairs to find out how to get involved.

• Anesthesiology
• Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Emergency Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Physician Assistant
• Pediatrics
• Research
• Surgery