Mentoring may sound like a trendy new-age gimmick, but it's actually an old and highly respected way to pass knowledge and experience on to others. In fact, in the Middle Ages, it was used extensively in universities, religious orders and other social systems.

Mentoring links an experienced professional (the mentor) with a less experienced person (the mentee) to help facilitate professional and personal growth.

Until now, in chiropractic, mentoring has been done on an informal basis, usually when older doctors take new graduates under their wings and pass on to them their accumulated wisdom.

Yet, all too often, new or struggling doctors are faced with having to learn the chiropractic ropes by themselves. They may open their office equipped with years of classroom instruction and supervised clinical training, but with very little "real world savvy." These are the people who need mentors to get them started on the road to a rewarding practice.

Down the street, however, is a doctor who has had a successful practice for many years but may want to ease up a bit. Across town, a retired doctor misses the joy of helping correct subluxations. These are the perfect mentors, people who have knowledge to offer, and who can reap the benefits of helping colleagues.

An exciting new program launched by the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) called the "Chiropractic Mentoring Experience" hopes to put these people together.

The WCA will compile information on mentors around the world, including information on the techniques they use and the college they graduated from.

After graduation, students needing help can access the WCA International Mentor Directory on the WCA website to locate a compatible mentor.

Doctors willing to be a mentor will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and provide any other information they feel might be valuable. This information will be made available to the mentees on the WCA website.

It has been repeatedly shown that having a role model's support and encouragement -- as well as practical advice and information which only comes with experience -- can be a key to a person's professional development.

"We have so much accumulated expertise which isn't being tapped," said Timothy Feuling, WCA vice president. "Many doctors, both practicing and retired, are willing to help newcomers but don't know how to make the contact. This program will help match them up with those who could benefit most from their experience."

Feuling stressed that the mentee isn't the only one to benefit from the program.

"Often, doctors could use a little help in their offices in exchange for hands-on training," he said. "And retired doctors often feel better knowing they are valued and needed."

Both mentors and mentees must be willing to make a commitment to stick with the mentoring program. Mentees must be open to learning from their mentors, and willing to take advice and instruction. Mentors must be willing to share their "secrets" of success and provide the encouragement, support and assistance that will help the mentee grow professionally and personally.

Although, ideally, the mentor and mentee will be able to meet and work in person, successful mentor relationships have been conducted via phone and e-mail.