Our program views mentorship as a key component of success. We believe that most residents will need a team of mentors to best help them achieve all of their goals, and we have designed our mentorship program to help each resident build that team over time.
Each incoming intern is assigned a “Program Mentor,” who is a Core Faculty member with deep knowledge of the residency program. Each resident will meet with their Program Mentor at least four times per year, with each meeting having a different focus. Additionally, because each Program Mentor has 4-5 mentees, we plan a few group gatherings each year, often over dinner.
Early during internship, the Program Mentor helps reach resident adjust to their new role and is a resource for any help that residents may need. During the second half of internship, the Program Mentor helps each mentee identify and meet other potential mentors – for both academic/scholarly and clinical mentorship. This is an iterative process that continues as residents’ interests evolve over time. The relationship with the Program Mentor continues through the junior and senior years of residency, where important topics include wellness, team leadership, fellowship application, and/or applying for jobs.
Each resident, with the help of their Program Mentor, develops an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) for their third year of training. This plan includes a significant amount of flexibility in order for residents to be able to explore their career interests, develop skills, and pursue scholarly projects.
Our program also helps facilitate group mentorship through various interest groups, including Women in Medicine, Physician Scientists, House Staff Minority Council, and various specialty-specific interest groups.