Applications are now open for the IIOP Mentoring Programme, a flexible and supportive mentoring initiative for pharmacists, by pharmacists.
Pharmacists from across the profession are invited to apply as mentors or mentees for the upcoming programme, which will run between May and November 2026. Applications are open from today until Wednesday 6 May.
About the Programme
The IIOP Mentoring Programme is designed to empower pharmacists to take ownership of their professional development and to experience the benefits of reflective practice.
Participants are paired in one‑to‑one mentoring relationships, where a pharmacist mentor supports a fellow pharmacist in exploring goals, challenges, and development opportunities. The programme is intentionally flexible, with orientation training and ongoing support provided by the programme team throughout.
The mentoring relationship typically runs for 4–6 months. Previous participants reported meeting for around 60 minutes every 3–4 weeks, either virtually or in person, outside of work. Time between meetings is often used for preparation and reflection.
Who Can Apply?
Mentees - Apply here
Applications are open to all pharmacists, regardless of career stage or practice area.
This is an opportunity to work with a personal mentor who is there to support your development, encourage reflection, and help you think differently about your practice.
“I learned more about myself. It made me reflect more on my practice. It encouraged me to think outside of the box.”
Mentors - Apply here
Applications for mentors are open to pharmacists who have completed the IIOP Mentorship Skills Training for pharmacists.
If you have completed this training and would like to:
- Put your mentoring skills into practice
- Support a fellow pharmacist with their development
- Further develop your mentoring capability
…the IIOP Mentoring Programme offers a structured and supported opportunity to do so.
“I think we have more to share than we realise. What we consider as routine is very valuable to newly qualified pharmacists. Watching someone else reflecting and seeing the impact helps you understand the importance and impact of reflective practice.”
Please note: completion of the IIOP Mentorship Skills Training is a requirement to apply as a mentor.
Why Take Part?
Participation in the IIOP Mentoring Programme is optional and voluntary, with training and ongoing support provided.
To date, over 100 pharmacists have taken part in the programme, and 100% reported that it met or exceeded their expectations.
You can find out more about what mentoring is, how it works, and why it matters on the IIOP Mentoring Portal.
Key Dates & Contact
Applications close: Wednesday 6 May
Programme duration: May – November 2026
Contact mentoring@iiop.ie with any questions