On this week’s episode of The FOX Five, we are joined by Ben Johnson, PT, DPT, who talks about FOX Rehabilitation’s Emerging Professionals Mentor Program. When a clinician joins FOX immediately out of school, they are paired up with a mentor who will support, educate, and ease them into their new role. Today, Ben views things from the perspective of a mentor and shares how they can best guide a newly graduated professional to a fulfilling career of clinical excellence.

Jim: Welcome to The FOX Five, the show that explores the wonderful world of FOX Rehabilitation through an original list created by a FOX colleague. Today, I am joined by FOX Rehabilitation physical therapist, Ben Johnson. Ben, welcome to The FOX Five.

Ben: Thank you, it is a pleasure to be here.

Jim: I should also say that at the time of this recording, you are currently FOX Rehabilitation's Colleague of the Month.

Ben: Yeah, thank you.

Jim: Enjoy all of the perks that come with that.

Ben: I got this [FOX jacket] from that.

Jim: Yes, you did. When someone is named Colleague of the Month, you do get FOX Dollars to use in our FOX Shop, so I'm glad that you got it already. That was quick. Alright, Ben what is your FOX Five today?

Ben: My FOX Five is Five Tips on Being a FOX mentor.

Jim: Five tips on being a FOX mentor, so before we get into your list, can you tell everyone what it means to be a FOX mentor.

Ben: FOX Rehabilitation has two programs, a sponsorship program and a mentorship program. Both are for new hires. Our sponsorship program is a little less involved, because it’s for a seasoned clinician and someone who's ready to kind of jump two feet in. Typically, they need a little less guidance and less ramp up time. The mentorship program is generally for newer clinicians, specifically those who are just out of school. You'll get matched up with someone who's been with the practice for a while, and they will show you the ropes. They can help ease you in and answer any questions that you're undoubtedly going to have.

Jim: Today's list is all about being a mentor. Ben, what is Number One on your FOX Five?

Ben: As a mentor, Number One is that you're going to want to schedule a weekly call. That is a requirement of the program, however I feel like that's probably the most important part of it all. It's a time to check in with your mentee, and during the call don't just jump in and start talking about documentation or things like that. You really want to find out what kind of head space they're in, because it can be pretty overwhelming at the beginning. I suggest thinking about the mental part of it first, before jumping into anything technical.

Jim: I like that, it's a weekly call, so it's not like, “Hey I'm going to call you and I'll touch base next year.” It's, “I'm going to call you every week to stay on top of things.” Ben, what is Number Two?

Ben: Number Two is when you're helping someone learn documentation, choose a variety of different notes, because it can be difficult to voice what you're trying to say. Don’t hone in on just one specific case or note-type. Spreading it apart can really help your mentee.

Jim: Yes, when you’re new to a job, you're not going to be an expert at documenting right away. It takes time. As they say, “Rome was not built in a day.”

Ben: Of course not.

Jim: Ben, that brings us to Number Three on your FOX Five.

Ben: Try to create an approachable atmosphere. A mentor may not always be in the same building as their mentee, they may be joined by other FOX colleagues. They’re a great resource, even if they’re not specifically your mentor. If you have a quick question, I'm sure anyone from FOX will be happy to answer it. I normally give out my phone number and let a mentee know that at any time they can just shoot me a quick text. Maybe they're documenting late and they have a quick question. I can just send them a text from my couch, and that can solve a lot of stress for that clinician. Once again, just be approachable.

Jim: Yeah, we're all here to help out. We don't have to officially be a mentor to do so. What I love about this practice is that you could reach out to the CEO directly if you wanted to, which is cool. Not everyone does because they get intimidated, but the door is always open. So, Ben what is Number Four on your FOX Five?

Ben: You should really allow your mentee to grow in their own treatment style. We obviously have to be safe at the end of the day. That's going to be our priority no matter what, but everyone kind of goes about treatment their own way and it takes time to learn what that means for them. In terms of treatment, I think that's a very personal thing that is important for the person to figure out on their own.

Jim: I believe our Founder, Dr. Tim Fox would call that “autonomy.”

Ben: Absolutely.

Jim: That then that brings us to Number Five on your FOX Five.

Ben: Don't be afraid to share your own challenges. You're solving their challenges, but they can learn just as much from how you've gotten through specific problems or challenges. It’s almost better than them having to go through it themselves, so don't be afraid to be a little vulnerable and talk about what you struggle with.

Jim: I love that, because so many times a mentor may feel like that they have to know it all and be perfect, but if you show some vulnerability, that's keeping it real! That drives me, to know that someone is not perfect. I'm like, “Oh, okay I don't have some type of robot. I like that there's some leeway for me to grow and for me to learn.” Great list Ben!

Ben: Thank you.

Jim: Like I said before, congrats on your Colleague of the Month reign.

Ben: Thank you so much.