BuDDS

How BuDDS works:

BuDDS is a network connecting mentors with mentees and placing them into groups known as Pods. The Pods will evolve over time allowing the inclusion of new mentees while simultaneously promoting the transition of existing mentees to mentors or group alumni.

Pods are formed by grouping mentors and mentees with similar areas of interest to maximise the potential for career guidance. To avoid any conflicts of interest mentees will not be assigned to a mentor who is responsible for assessing their progress through a formal training programme (such as their DEMT).

Mentors participating in the program will have the opportunity to complete a ‘bio’ and this information will guide the selection of the individual Pod members. Mentors and mentees will be able to access these ‘bios’ and submit their preferences for Pod allocations.  The final matching of the mentors and mentees in each Pod is done by the BuDDS committee. Should a mentor or mentee need to leave the program or feel they would be more compatible with a different Pod, the committee will arrange the transition. As interest grows and staff rotate it is anticipated that additional Pods will be added to the initial structure. The basic structure of a Pod includes a Consultant / Fellow with a senior registrar as mentors, two or three mentees from the junior registrar, RMO and intern pools and some Pods will also have RCSWA students as junior mentees. This structure aims to also facilitate mentoring at many levels within the Pod.

All participants are required to sign a BuDDS confidentiality agreement at the outset to cement the Pod’s supportive and safe dynamic. Formal escalation processes (in line with AHPRA and institution guidelines) will be used to guide the management of specific issues that individual Pods may face. Each participant will receive a copy of these pathways.

The Pods will have a formal introduction at the BuDDS annual welcome event and thereafter will establish their framework, schedule and meeting plans individually. The committee will additionally provide an annual social event for all BuDDS members to promote a positive, supportive medical community and encourage Pod engagement.