For many, the secret to medical school success
lies in guidance. If you’re fortunate enough to have a strong advisor to help you navigate decisions — especially as you begin your medical school journey — it can make all the difference. Yet, not every student has that kind of advisor experience.
The AMSA Chapter at the University of Toledo College of Medicine recently wondered: How might this kind of support be augmented — IRL? Are there other effective ways to welcome in premed students from all walks of life? Surely, they mused, they could band together as medical students to help usher in new students in ways that are personal and deeply relevant based on their experiences and backgrounds.
“There’s something to be said about finding a mentor who gets you, Who came from perhaps the same background and/or had a similar experience,” says Diane Wei, M2, AMSA Chapter Co-President. “It can be reassuring to know that you’re not alone in this medical journey.”
Diane and her AMSA co-President, Michael Wong, M2, brainstormed with their chapter to see how to pair new students with relevant medical students in meaningful ways.
“We want to pay it forward, as advice and mentorship have been integral to our success so far as medical students ” quotes Michael, “So we thought: what if we offer premeds opportunities to forge early, long-term relationships with medical students? Not just ones that last a year or two, but lasting, deeper ones. And, at the same time, how might we offer medical students opportunities for leadership by serving as mentors?”
They got busy. First, they formalized a program on campus by reaching out to the pre-health advising center at the undergraduate campus last spring. They pitched this program as a strong means to bridge the gap between the undergraduate and medical school campus, and got the attention of the faculty.
From here, the AMSA chapter leaders recruited over 50 medical student mentors for the program, and drafted a syllabus with their faculty advisor and curriculum committee to make the program an elective for the medical student mentors. The program was approved and ready for action this fall — and is well underway.
What does it look like? The basic requirements for mentors are that they need to:
- Attend a mentor orientation
- Hold 4 hourly meetings with mentee with a curriculum as a guide for the conversation;
- Document meetings & write reflection at the conclusion of the year.
How does the chapter generate awareness of this program?
- Collaboration with another student organization on campus was a key driver in on-campus visibility — they combined forces for promotion, planning and event resources for the premeds.
- A UTCOM AMSA Facebook page was developed as a free, easy platform for mentors and mentee updates and collaboration, as well as a platform where medical organizations can promote their events to pre-meds.
How’s it going?
“So far this year we have had 100+ pre-med mentees and 65 mentors participate in this program. The feedback we have been receiving from both mentees and mentors is incredible,” says Diane. “It has truly been an honor to have been able to successfully launch this program and is comforting to know we helped make a difference in so many lives.”
Are you a chapter wanting to learn more about launching a similar program on your campus? We can put you in touch with Diane and Michael for questions & collaboration! Drop us an email members@amsa.org
