Mentorship Program

[Member4545]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

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.