Summary
Sustained continuation of networking for all participants in the Helene Wastl Medical Mentoring Program at the Medical University of Innsbruck
Target groups
other /
Implementing organization
Innsbruck Medical University - Coordination Office for Non-Discrimination, Promotion of Women and Gender Research /Contact
Office for Women’s Empowerment and Mentoring, Claudia Beyer; claudia.beyer@i-med.ac.at
Implemented/introduced
Mentoring and networking platform at the Medical University of Innsbruck, established in 2006 and expanding constantly
Relation to gender equality targets
Organizational and legal basis at Medical University of Innsbruck: Plan for the Advancement of Women, Development Plan, Performance Agreement 2016-2018
The objective(s) of the tool
Long-term networking and (self-)empowerment of women in medicine is a key objective within the Helene Wastl Medical Mentoring Pogram. The Helene Wastl Club is intended to provide lasting support and maintenance of the networks established amongst all previous participants in the program – mentors and mentees – across all clinical and theoretical fields, and to function as a pool of female experts.
Description of the tool
A particularly important aspect is the networking of mentees through peer mentoring: mutual support and experience-sharing is specifically encouraged through the activities of the “Helene Wastl Club” (as part of the Helene Wastl Medical Mentoring Program). During the course of the mentoring year, relationship systems are established and access to career-enhancing networks is facilitated through collaboration with the respective mentors and between the mentees themselves. Intensive discussion of the participants’ own role in the medical-scientific community also provides an important basis and stimulus for (self-)empowerment. Ever since its creation in 2006, this platform for long-term networking of all previous participants in the program, has been systematically expanded; it is specifically aimed at developing and supporting a network of women in medicine, intended to also serve as a pool of female experts.
How the tool works, practical experience
As of Winter Semester 2017/18, it includes over 200 highly skilled female scientists (including 154 graduates of the program – 85 medical professionals, 69 natural scientists; a total of 166 mentoring partnerships; 28 mentors, 9 former mentors).
Special Thanks
Special thanks go to the initiator and director of the Coordination Office, lecturer, and doctor, Professor Margarethe Hochleitner.
Attachments
Further information (German only)