Mentorship Program

[Member4545]

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DO most medical schools have mentorship programs? I've heard great benefits of such programs in which MS1 students are paired with either senior students or faculty members for guidance.

 

[Kelevra]

In some way, shape, or form, yes (for the most part). Some aren't very good (like, meeting once a year), but most schools will try to pair you with somebody, whether that's a physician or an older medical student.

People often end up disregarding them, only giving "courtesy" contact, because they usually find someone else in their desired specialty (as @Law2Doc stated). Takes some luck to find one that you are happy with.

 

[caffeinemia]

In a lot of places, you gotta look for it or make the effort and email people. It's tough to get people's attention though. Additionally, it may sometimes help to have a semi-clear picture of your intended specialty.

 

[Law2Doc]

Agree. While it's night to be assigned a mentor as a starting point, the more valuable mentor(s) are going to be those you pick later, on your own, once you pick your specialty.

 

[caffeinemia]

I should mention: if anyone wants to go into plastics, start early on finding residents and attendings who are willing to be advisors. Honestly, after MS2 is too late -- unless you really want to take a year off to get those 5-10 pubs.