TIP Family Mentorship Program Overview

This program is designed to connect new food allergy families with the TIP community through the TIP Pantry Facebook group and Messenger chat. Our goal is to provide reassurance and support by fostering meaningful conversations between experienced parents and those just beginning or considering their TIP journey. As a mentor, you will engage in discussions, share your personal experiences, and offer insights to help families navigate the program with confidence.

Mentor Eligibility

To serve as a mentor, participants must:

• Be a parent who has been in the program for at least one year or is in active remission.
• Be active in the TIP Pantry Facebook group and Messenger chat to answer questions and support new families.
• Be empathetic and understanding of the challenges new enrollees may face.
• Help introduce parents to the TIP community, including online support channels and resources.

Mentor Responsibilities

• Engage with parents in the Facebook group and Messenger chat, answering questions and providing encouragement.
• Share valuable insights, experiences, and advice to help families navigate the TIP journey.
• Communicate important questions and concerns from parents to the TIP team.
• (Optional) Welcome new families in person, provide first-day tours, or offer additional support through phone calls, emails, or Zoom meetings if available.
• Help families manage burnout, stay motivated, and work toward Food Freedom.

Overview

The Food Avengers (FA) program offers a unique volunteering opportunity for current patients to share their insights. Leveraging their first-hand experience and multimedia skills, patients can share their journey through various forms of creative content such as videos, drawings, written posts, poems, and more. The aim is to create a platform where patients' voices are heard and respected. Volunteers will own and manage their projects, which will help enhance their strategic thinking and creativity and share their Food Freedom Journey.

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled or remission patient
• Open to all ages
• Participants must be comfortable sharing their experiences and willing to create content in various multimedia forms.
• All content created must be appropriate and will be reviewed by Philanthropy before posting.
• Open to creating public posts

Job Description

• Produce and share creative content in the form of videos, drawings, written posts, challenges, etc., to share your journey, tips, tricks, and wisdom.
• Submit content for approval to philanthropy.

Overview

The In-Clinic Internship Program provides invaluable hands-on experience for aspiring medical professionals to advance their career development. This program is designed to cater to a wide range of students, including nursing students, medical assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and pre-medical students. Interns will gain a practical understanding of roles within the Food Allergy Institute (FAI), under the supervision and mentorship of experienced medical professionals.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be enrolled in a qualified medicine-related program.
• The student should have completed at least one year of schooling.
• The classes they have undertaken should align with the tasks they wish to perform in the internship.

Job Description

• Observation and Shadowing: Interns will shadow relevant professionals at the clinic to understand their roles at FAI better.
• Reading: Interns will read published articles to enhance their understanding of FAI and TPIRC.
• Clinical tasks: Qualified students can perform clinical tasks within their educational range.
• Scribing: Students can scribe for Physician Assistants (PAs) and other providers.

Overview

The TPIRC Research Program provides students with an engaging platform to participate in ongoing research initiatives under the supervision of Dr. Marstellar. This program offers students an opportunity to delve into medical research and understand the lab's research direction and goals through previously published papers. Additionally, students can pitch their own research ideas, and upon approval, work on those projects. The program is geared towards pre-medical or bioscience college students, and others interested in medical research. The program is an interactive learning environment that could lead to published research opportunities.

Eligibility

• Students must be in good academic standing.
• Students must have completed college-level courses in Organic Chemistry, Biology, and
• Statistics.
• Research-oriented classes and previous research experience are preferred.
• Students must be able to commit to a minimum of an 8-week internship.

Job Description

• Participate in the research initiatives the research team is working on.
• Read previously published papers to understand the lab's research direction and goals.
• Propose their own research ideas, and if approved, carry out research on that topic.
• Attend weekly lab meetings to discuss research progress and findings.
• Maintain active participation in research projects, which could range from several months to four years.

Overview

TPIRC and the Food Allergy Institute hold nationwide events monthly. These events are designed to engage patients, employees, physicians, and the public. Volunteers are tasked with inspiring community engagement and increasing public knowledge regarding food allergies. As a volunteer, you will work alongside FAI and TPIRC staff to execute the vision of our Event Planner and CEO. Your role can range from helping to promote and advertise the event, conducting setup, and cleaning up post-event.
Additional responsibilities could include speaking to the attendees to share your own stories of food allergies and treatment.

Eligibility

• You must be a high school-level patient or the parent of a patient.
• You possess timely and dependable qualities.
• You must be ready for a fun and inspiring time!

Job Description

• Assist Meeting and Events Planner during setup and tear down.
• Manage entry and registration at the main entrance.
• Dispense company swag and goodies with guests.
• Provide a welcoming environment for guests.
• Offer directions and guidance throughout the event.
• Share your food allergy story with guests.
• Join Food Allergy Institute on stage for an inspiring speaking engagement (only for pre-planned and invited speakers)