Abstract
Medical students who are mentored have been shown to be happier
with their medical education and have more fulfilling careers. The
Vital Signs Mentoring Program is a comprehensive and layered
approach to mentoring. M1/M2 Students: M1s are matched with
M2s to help with transition issues. 4-5 pairs of buddies are placed
within mentoring groups with several M3/M4 Peer Mentors and a
Faculty Mentor and meet as groups and individually. M3 and M4
students: As M3s and M4as enter their clinical years, they choose a
Career Mentor from a pool of clinicians with whom they will meet
1:1 each semester to explore career and professional development.
Faculty Mentors: Each of the small groups are assigned one
faculty mentor to provide guidance and professional expertise to
group members and meet with students individually. Peer Mentors:
Each group is assigned several M3/M4 peer mentors from the 150
who volunteer to provide student leadership for the group and meet
1:1 with students. Career Mentors: Nearly 100 clinicians have
volunteered to meet with their M3/M4 mentees each semester to
provide career guidance and professional development. Alumni
Mentors: A pool of nearly 300 willing alumni are available through
e-mail and phone to all medical students for questions or concerns
about the profession of medicine and career decisions.