SOM Mentor Collective
What is the UCR School of Medicine Mentor Collective?
The UCR School of Medicine Mentor Collective builds upon SOM’s unique curriculum by linking students, one-on-one, with a SOM alumus or physician in the community. Students are paired with someone invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges, and recognize opportunities.
Students will learn from someone who has been in their shoes and can discuss what to expect as their career in medicine progresses. They can discuss how to approach challenges, maintain personal wellness, and gain career advice. At the same time, mentors will build their networks and develop skills to become better physicians, professionals, and leaders.
How it Works
The UCR School of Medicine Mentor Collective was established to provide mentoring to UC Riverside medical students by matching them with a physician mentor from the UCR community. Students will be matched with an alum or peer mentor based on common interests, background, academics, and professional aspirations. To get started, students and mentors register and complete an online survey to paint a holistic picture of their career interests, goals, and experiences.
What do Mentors and Mentees Discuss?
- How will my specialty impact my fellowship or professional options?
- How do I balance the demands of school, responsibilities, impacting my community, and taking care of my personal wellness?
- How do I make connections with peers and professional contacts?
Program Expectations
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to communicate at least two to four times per month, although pairs can communicate more or less frequently depending on individual preferences. Pairs can communicate in person, via text, Zoom, Slack, and/or phone.
Mentor Collective Program Details
Time Commitment
- The mentorship program is an academic year commitment.
- Mentor and mentees are recommended to connect at least once a month.
Matching Process
- Students complete a survey about themselves and their backgrounds.
- Mentor Collective matches students and mentors based on what the student says is most important to them.
Once Matched
- Once matched, mentor and mentee decide how they want to connect, which can happen via email, phone, video chat, text, or in-person.
Shadowing
IMPORTANT: Students may not participate in shadowing without the expressed written permission from UCR School of Medicine.
Questions?
Want to learn more? Contact Amanda Smith at amanda.smith@medsch.ucr.edu or email help@mentorcollective.org