CHIMA Annual Meeting Mentor Program FAQs

The CHIMA Annual Meeting Mentor Program is a way to connect and mentor the health information (HI) professionals of the future during the CHIMA Annual Meeting. There is high value in allowing students to interact, network, and learn from members and the CHIMA Annual Meeting Mentor Program gives the opportunity to connect everyone. During the CHIMA Annual Meeting, students and recent graduates will join members during learning sessions, sit together during the luncheons, and be given time to network.

HI students and recent graduates can participate as a mentee.

We expect that you and your mentee(s) will attend all the sessions that you as the mentor choose to attend, apart from the student track your mentee(s) will attend.  We also would like you to attend the annual business meeting together.  This gives you extra networking time together as well as give the mentee the opportunity to experience a formal meal/business meeting setting.

We expect you to attend all sessions that the mentor chooses to attend, apart from the student track you attend. We would like you to attend the annual business meeting together. This gives you extra networking time as well as the opportunity to experience a formal meal/business meeting setting.

The opportunity to provide guidance, advice, and support to a deserving HI student/recent graduate, giving back to the future of our field!

The opportunity to connect to a working HI professional who can provide you with guidance, advice, and support as you work towards being a member of the HI workforce. You also may find opportunities for jobs, new friends, or simply grow in your professionalism, communication, and knowledge.

Registration in the CHIMA Annual Meeting Mentor Program is optional; however, it is highly recommended for students/new graduates to participate. We highly encourage members to participate as a mentor! It is a rewarding way to give back to HI students/new graduates.

There will be a link on the CHIMA website where members and students/new graduates can indicate they would like to participate. Information about the program will also be distributed via e-Alert and social media. You must be registered as an attendee for the CHIMA Annual Meeting in order to be a mentor or mentee.

Mentors will be assigned a maximum of two (2) mentees. In the event we need to place more with you, you will be personally contacted by a CHIMA board member to get permission from you. We don’t want to overwhelm you or take away personalized time from the mentee(s).

No, mentees cannot pick their mentors. While we understand the desire of wanting to be with someone you already know or work with, we believe in the importance of meeting new people, providing opportunities to learn new skills, learn about roles they may not be familiar with, and growing your network.

Yes, mentors and mentees will be matched approximately one (1) week prior to the CHIMA Annual Meeting. This will give both parties the opportunity to establish their connection and make a plan to meet at the CHIMA Annual Meeting. This connection will happen via email by an CHIMA Board member. For this reason, it is important check emails periodically. The contact information you provide when you register to be a mentor or mentee will be shared with your mentor/mentee (cellphone number and/or preferred email).

Mentors and mentees will be asked to sign in at the registration desk each day. The mentor and mentee(s) should have already established a plan for meeting each other. In the event you are unable to find your mentor/mentee and cannot contact them, you will go to the registration desk and ask for assistance.

Participants are not expected to spend 100% of their time together. We would expect you to spend as much time together as possible. If either of you need a moment alone, just make arrangements to meet back up when possible.

Absolutely! We make the mentors aware of the day/time of the student track so they are aware the student will be in their own session at this time.

Yes, and it is highly encouraged! Feel free to swap business cards or additional contact information.

CHIMA will provide mentees with sample questions they can ask their mentor to network with them. However, these questions are not required, and the mentees can bring their own questions if they like. There is no one right way to network. We want mentees to feel comfortable during this time.

Please immediately find a member of the CHIMA Annual Meeting committee for assistance.

Please refer to the CHIMA Annual Meeting agenda.

All mentees and mentors will be sent a survey post-CHIMA Annual Meeting to evaluate their mentor/mentee experience. We appreciate honest feedback so we can continue to grow the CHIMA Annual Meeting Mentor Program and make it flourish.