AFA Mentoring Program, ADA Events Help Students Gain Independent Practice Knowledge

Lafayette, IN - At the November 2008 Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) convention, the Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) accomplished two major objectives - to bring more students to the convention through its ongoing student mentoring program and introduce them to ADA and its emphasis on private practice, and to conduct fundraisers in support of the AFA's mission to "empower audiologists to be independent and autonomous practitioners." Both objectives were clearly met, emphasizing to the AFA that its mission resounds among audiology's practitioner base.



John Lionbarger, Au.D., speaks to the 2008 mentoring students about his experience in private practice.

Thirty Au.D. students competitively selected from around the nation attended the ADA convention, were paired with a mentor, and participated in both conventional ADA programming as well as a special day-ahead student track of sessions developed by the AFA. Student surveys at the end of the mentoring program showed that the student day-ahead program, interaction with mentors and ADA's opening session were among the most significant portions of the student mentoring program.

Though student surveys were anonymous, comments included:

• "ADA was more focused and personal. Everyone had the same goal and it seems like a better place to network for future job opportunities."
  
  
• "I now know that I have support and resources or making a private practice viable. ADA was much more one on one, with more centered/focused courses geared to business."
  
  
• "It was an excellent experience. The student sessions were great. This was my first attendance and I feel like it sealed the deal on opening my own practice.
  
  
• "It's nice to have professionals express interest and initiate conversations. I didn't feel lost in the shuffle as a student, which happens at other large conventions. To have the professionals view me as more of a peer and less of a student is great."

Major contributors to the 2008 AFA student mentoring program included ReSound and Widex.

Through fundraising activities, the AFA also netted over $40,000 at the ADA convention through combined efforts in both its annual charity auction and the new AFA/ADA Go-Kart Racing Event.

The AFA Auction netted over $20,000, including almost $10,000 directed for student scholarships and other student support programs. Popular items included a Blue Ridge mountain cabin vacation, a Wii gaming system and Wii Fit game, tickets to the Richard Petty driving experience, and a painting by Joan Goldstein entitled "Surf's Up." Thanks to Phonak and Auricle Ink who provided the food sponsorship for the auction.



Team Oticon prepares to head out onto the race track.

The AFA/ADA's new event - the "Race to Your Future" Go-Kart Race - was held at Pole Position Raceway and netted almost $20,000. Over 100 racers competed in the event, with dozens of spectators on hand to cheer the teams. First place team honors went to Audigy Group, followed by Team Au.D. and Team Sonic 2. The fastest lap trophy was awarded to Brendan Ford. Party rooms were sponsored by Audigy Group/Sonic Innovations and Oticon. The arcade was sponsored by Sonic Innovations and Bernafon provided special picture frames for all racers as the photography sponsor. Rexton sponsored the bus transportation, Widex sponsored the event trophies, and racing team sponsors were Audigy Group, Bernafon, Sonic Innovations, Oticon, ESCO, Marcon, and Berge Hearing Clinic. Additional event sponsorship was provided by HIMSA.