Mentorship is a collaborative relationship where a mentor offers guidance, feedback, and insight to support a mentee’s personal and professional development. Mentors may assist in areas such as career exploration, goal setting, networking, and identifying resources that align with a trainee’s interests.

Participation in the BHCare Mentorship Program is open to trainees and professionals engaged in brain health, aging, and cognitive impairment research. In this pilot round, the program is open specifically to graduate students (Master’s, PhD), Postdoctoral Fellows, and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) who are either funded directly by BHCare or are trainees of BHCare co-investigators. Undergraduate students are not included in this initial phase of the mentorship program.

Both mentors and mentees must remain actively involved in BHCare mentorship program and uphold the program’s values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout their participation.

The program runs during the academic year (TBD). Mentors and mentees are encouraged to continue their relationship beyond this period if mutually agreed upon.

Mentees must be currently enrolled in a Master’s, or PhD or  program; a health professional training program; or employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow or ECR at a Canadian institution for the duration of their participation.

Mentors must be individuals with demonstrated professional expertise and/or lived experience in areas related to brain health, aging, cognitive impairment, or related disciplines. This includes Persons with Lived or Living Experience (PWLLE) and caregivers, whose insights are critical to shaping relevant and inclusive approaches. Mentors may come from diverse professional backgrounds, including academic, clinical, community, government, public health, and industry sectors.

This is a formal mentorship program. All participants must commit to the responsibilities and expectations outlined by BHCare and actively engage in scheduled mentorship activities to foster a meaningful and impactful experience.

Mentors and Mentees participating in the BHCare Mentorship Program are expected to commit to the following:

• Orientation (Optional for Mentors): Attend a one-hour virtual mentorship orientation session hosted by the BHCare Team.
• Mentorship Meetings: Engage in a minimum of three (3) meetings with your mentee(s) over the course of the program.
• Program Participation: Remain actively involved throughout the duration of the placement in the BHCare Mentorship Program.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Complete program feedback and evaluation forms in a timely manner.
• Responsibility and Conduct: Adhere to and fulfill the roles and responsibilities outlined for mentors and mentees.

BHCare will offer multiple mentorship pathways to support the diverse goals and professional development needs of our trainees. Trainees will be matched with mentors based on career goals, professional interests, level of training, and availability, ensuring a meaningful and tailored mentorship experience.

• Basic Mentoring: Experienced researchers mentor master’s, PhD trainees, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Peer Mentoring: Advanced trainees (e.g., PhD candidates) mentor junior-level trainees (e.g., master’s students).
• Faculty Mentoring: Established faculty and researchers guide Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
• Non-Academic Mentoring: Community partners, knowledge users, clinicians, and industry professionals mentor trainees and provide unique perspectives on diverse career paths.
• Lived Experience & Caregiver Mentoring: Mentoring from persons with lived or living experience or a caregiver to support research relevance and impact.

At BHCare, we understand that effective mentorship must be tailored to each stage of a trainee’s career. Our program offers targeted guidance and resources that align with the unique goals and challenges faced by graduate students through to Early Career Researchers (ECRs), supporting meaningful growth at every level.

Mentor Responsibilities

Mentors are valued for the guidance, experience, and perspective they bring—whether drawn from professional practice or lived/living experience.

1. Review Program Materials: Read the orientation and guidance materials provided by the BHCare Team.
2. Foster a Supportive Relationship: Cultivate a positive and respectful connection with your mentee.
3. Provide Feedback: Complete evaluation forms in a timely manner.
4. Maintain Communication: Notify your mentee and BHCare Team of any changes.
5. Notify of Changes in Availability: Let the team know if you’re unable to continue participating.

Mentee Responsibilities

This program is mentee-driven, empowering participants to take initiative in building meaningful mentor relationships.

1. Attend Orientation: Join the virtual orientation at the start of your placement.
2. Review Program Materials: Read the resources provided.
3. Lead the Mentoring Relationship: Take initiative in communicating with your mentor.
4. Maintain Professionalism: Build trust and keep communications confidential.
5. Respect Your Mentor’s Time: Be punctual and responsive.
6. Provide Feedback: Submit all required evaluation forms.
7. Maintain Updated Contact Information: Keep both your mentor and the team updated.
8. Notify of Changes in Availability: Let the team know if you’re unable to continue.

Mentorship at BHCare goes beyond guidance—it’s about fostering meaningful connections. Mentors are matched with trainees to share insights, offer feedback, and support career development. The time commitment is flexible.

We are currently recruiting mentors from diverse backgrounds including researchers, clinicians, PWLLE, caregivers, knowledge users, community and industry partners.

Registration Opens: July
Deadline for Registration: TBD
Mentorship Matches: TBD
Virtual Orientation: TBD
Mentorship Program Period: TBD
Program Evaluation: TBD

The program will run annually, aligning with the academic calendar and structured to ensure sustained engagement and measurable progress.

Please contact the program coordinator at bhcaretraining@uwo.ca if you have any questions.