Objective:

To describe the implementation and outcomes of a structured neurology mentorship program to assist senior medical students applying into neurology residency programs.

Background:

Medical students regard mentorship as an important component of their medical education; however, only approximately one-third of medical students report having a mentor. This highlights a significant gap and need for formal mentorship programs in medical education, particularly in neurology. One study has shown that implementing a one-on-one mentorship program for fourth-year medical students was associated with an increase in the number of students applying into neurology and an increase in the number of publications. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education requires that all accredited medical schools offer an effective career advising program. As such, we constructed and implemented a mentorship program to aid medical students applying into neurology residency.

Design/Methods:

Neurology faculty and fourth-year medical students applying into neurology completed electronic surveys about geographical background, subspeciality interests, and personal extracurricular activities. These surveys were used to optimally pair students with respective neurology faculty. Both parties also completed the optional, anonymous pre-mentorship phase surveys. During the mentorship phase, primary guidance was provided for interview preparation, match list ranking, and discussion of career goals. After completion of the mentorship program, both parties will complete a post-mentorship survey.

Results:

A total of 11 students and 16 faculty signed up to participate in the mentorship program. Faculty subspecialties and areas of interest include epilepsy, neurocritical care, neuromuscular, neurorehabilitation, and medical education.

Conclusions:

This program has been well received by students and faculty. Students have expressed excitement in having a formal relationship with an attending neurologist. Additionally, establishing a mentor program for medical students had a trickle up approach, which has encouraged development of similar programs at the resident, fellow, and attending level.