My school has a mentor program where they pair upperclassmen with incoming first-year students who are new to the program and to the school. We are paired before the student begins his/her semester, so we are able to answer questions and give advice to incoming students. I always sign up for this program because I find it very beneficial to assist new students into their transition in medical school. The school pairs us by email and/or Facebook, and we are able to communicate freely which is helpful for random questions and advice that comes up.
I had a wonderful and helpful mentor when I became a medical student. I had HUNDREDS of questions, and my mentor was patient and thorough in answering every single one. Especially with going to an international medical school, she was wonderful at giving me information on the country and life there, as well as information regarding school and the classes. My personal mentor was incredibly knowledgeable and eliminated majority of my worries before I even started my semester.
I currently am mentoring a student who will be beginning medical school this year, and it’s refreshing to be able to answer all of her questions. I am a huge advocate of the mentor program because it’s an extremely helpful resource to incoming students to get all their questions answered, and anxieties eliminated. I love being able to give back to students, as students before have taken the time to assist me within my own transition. It’s also helpful to share resources that have helped me in past classes with my student, to hopefully help them succeed in their medical school career.
