MM101 - Strengthening Academic–Clinical Partnerships: A Mentorship Model for Doctor of Audiology Education

Abstract: Structured mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping professional identity and clinical confidence among healthcare students. This study evaluates the impact of a formal mentorship program on Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) students’ self-efficacy, professional growth, and sense of belonging. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 16 mentees and 29 mentors participated in a statewide initiative. Pre- and post-program assessments measured changes in confidence, identity formation, and mentor-mentee alignment. Findings will inform future program development and highlight mentorship as a strategic tool for enhancing student outcomes in audiology education.

Summary: Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development, yet its structured implementation in audiology education remains underexplored. This observational study evaluates a statewide mentorship initiative designed to enhance clinical confidence, professional identity, and belonging among Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) students. The program paired 16 mentees with 29 mentors across diverse clinical settings, offering a formalized framework for guidance, reflection, and support.

Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants completed pre- and post-program assessments measuring self-efficacy, identity formation, and mentor-mentee alignment. Quantitative data were analyzed to assess changes in confidence and perceived professional growth, while qualitative responses provided insight into the relational dynamics and perceived value of mentorship. The results revealed statistically significant improvements in mentees’ clinical confidence and professional identity, as well as increased mentor satisfaction and engagement. These findings suggest that structured mentorship can serve as a strategic tool for enhancing student outcomes and fostering a more cohesive professional community.

This session will present the rationale, design, and outcomes of the mentorship program, highlighting its relevance to audiology education and clinical practice. Attendees will gain insight into the implementation process, including recruitment strategies, mentor training, and evaluation metrics. The discussion will emphasize the importance of intentional mentor-mentee matching, goal setting, and feedback loops to maximize program effectiveness.

The instructional level selected for this session is Intermediate. This designation reflects the target audience’s existing familiarity with audiology education and clinical training frameworks. The session builds upon foundational concepts by introducing a structured mentorship model and evaluating its impact through empirical data. Attendees will be equipped to apply these insights to their own educational or clinical environments, whether as faculty, preceptors, or program administrators.

In terms of originality, this study offers a novel approach to mentorship by formalizing its structure and evaluating its outcomes through both quantitative and qualitative lenses. Its relevance is underscored by the increasing emphasis on student support and retention in healthcare education. The session will be highly engaging, incorporating interactive discussion and real-world examples from participants in the program.

Concrete clinical takeaways include strategies for implementing mentorship programs in academic or clinical settings, tools for assessing mentor-mentee alignment, and evidence-based practices for fostering professional identity. These takeaways are directly applicable to improving student outcomes and enhancing the quality of clinical education.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways: The clinical takeaway for this session is an understanding of how structured mentorship enhances clinical confidence, professional identity, and student engagement—providing attendees with actionable strategies to implement mentorship programs that improve training outcomes and optimize patient care through better-prepared clinicians.