By James Reed
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, reflection, and appreciation. As our US based members prepare to gather with family and friends, it’s the perfect opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to those that have played a significant role in shaping our journeys in anatomy. It’s also the perfect opportunity to highlight our own mentoring program.
Among the many facets that make AAA an exceptional community is the remarkable mentoring program, Mentor Match. This program shows the commitment of the association in nurturing aspiring anatomists, aiding their professional journeys, and fostering a collaborative spirit within the field. The members-only Mentor Match program within AAA provides students, postdocs, and early-career faculty members, with assistance in navigating the pathways of anatomy and academia. The core of Mentor Match's success lies in the dedication and enthusiasm of both mentors and mentees. The program thrives on the active engagement and commitment of these individuals who generously offer their time, wisdom, and expertise. Mentors, drawing from their extensive experience and knowledge, providing invaluable insights, advice, and unwavering support. Equally instrumental are the mentees, eager to absorb knowledge and carve their paths in the world of anatomy, enriching the relationship through their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives.
There are so many ways in which our mentors help shape our professional lives, and since this is a time to reflect on the people that inspire and guide us…I’ll go first.
There are far too many people in the winding path of my career that deserve recognition. I have benefited from the combined knowledge of so many people both within the AAA membership and the greater Dartmouth College community in which I’ve been lucky enough to serve for the past 11 years. However, there are two that deserve special recognition.
I cannot overstate the effect Dr. Jason Organ has had on my career. I first met Jason at the Experimental Biology conference being held in Orlando in 2019. Soon after, I had the opportunity to learn from him at the first AAA SciComm Bootcamp. He helped me find my voice in science communication and gave me the confidence to start a series of live events that has transformed into a podcast. Jason has kept me going when the road has been difficult and is always willing to try out new SciComm ideas…even when they’re really, really bad.
I also need to express my profound thanks to Dr. Virginia Lyons. 11 years I came to what was then the anatomy department at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. Virginia immediately took me under her wing, bringing me up to speed in the skills I would need to work in the anatomy lab. She is always there to challenge me to pursue new ideas in the lab, and to keep me on track when needed. Her unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement has shaped my career and created a deep respect for the subject of human anatomy.
We all have those special people in our professional lives that inspire us. They go further than guiding us, offering expertise, empathy, and encouragement. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the mentors in the American Association for Anatomy. Your selfless contributions and dedication to nurturing the next generation of anatomists are the cornerstone of the field's advancement.