The success of our Tours and the impact that we make is directly credited to the amazing group of Mentors that join us as we travel the country. From medical and dental students to young practicing physicians and dentists, we purposefully recruit in order to highlight stages of growth and full spectrum of experiences throughout the undergraduate/pre-med years and early career. Our Mentors include physicians (allopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric) and dentists as well as medical and dental students, from different educational backgrounds, with different specialty interests, and with a variety of dual degrees. A pre-health/medical advisor is also invited to expand our capability for outreach and education. Our Mentors reach the students through their presentations as well as through very personal interactions, and we encourage the development of individual mentoring relationships during and after the Tours. Our Mentors do not lecture to the students, but instead provide guidance so that the students are able to make the best decisions for themselves.
Approximately 10-15 underrepresented minority physicians, dentists and medical students serve as workshop facilitators for each day of the Tour and work in conjunction with the host institution to set up each Educational Stop.
Criteria for selection as a Mentor to join us on a Tour includes: 1) strong presentation skills, 2) experience with and passion for mentoring and teaching, 3) early stage of career (health professions student through young practicing provider (<5 years)), and 4) personal stories that provide motivating teaching points for our student audience (i.e. significant distance traveled, challenges overcome). Interviews will be scheduled for those with attractive applications.
Mentor Applications are available HERE.
Opportunities will soon exist for other professionals who are seeking to be involved, but are not selected or able to participate in an entire Tour. Individuals can also join us at individual Tour Educational Stops; the presence of local physicians, dentists and medical/dental students assists our efforts by emphasizing our local and more regular connections.