MD Students Reflect on the Value of Mentorship

What inspired you to become a Mentorship Ambassador, and how do you hope to make a difference for your peers?

I was inspired to become a Mentorship Ambassador because of the impact my own mentors had on my first year of medical school. The transition into medicine can be exciting but also overwhelming - with so much to learn, it is easy to feel lost at times but having the right people around you make a huge difference. My mentors helped me stay grounded and reminded me that I did not have to figure everything out alone. As a Mentorship Ambassador, I hope to pay that forward, creating opportunities for connection and helping my peers feel supported both academically and personally.
 
Can you tell us about a mentor who made a meaningful impact on your life or career so far? What did you learn from them?

To me, mentorship is about far more than academics; it is about connection, kindness, and having people in your corner. My mentors, Zoey Bourgeois and Nicky Ong, have been that for me. They are friends I can reach out to for advice, reassurance, or a coffee before a tough exam. They have taught me that we all need people who remind us that we are doing okay, even when it does not feel that way.
 
Why do you think mentorship is important in medical school, and what role does it play in building a sense of community?

I think mentorship matters most because it keeps you grounded. Medical school can feel like a blur, but mentors and peers help you slow down, reflect, and remember why you are here. To me, it is the feeling of being supported and understood by peers who have gone through similar experiences that really builds community.
 
What advice would you give to first-year students looking for mentorship?

My advice for first-year students looking for mentorship is simple — be open. Do not be afraid to reach out, ask questions (even the ones you think are “silly”, I remember asking my mentors how they take notes in class!), and lean on the people around you. Remember, you have a lot to offer too; I have already learned so much from my first-year mentee, Prachi!

Through mentorship, I believe I have become a better listener and communicator. I have learned that not every situation needs advice, sometimes people just want to feel heard and supported. Being a Regina Mentorship Ambassador has also taught me how to bring people together and create connections across different years of the program. I feel more confident in starting conversations, getting to know other students and offering reassurance or advice if it might be helpful.
 
To make a connection with peers who might be hesitant to approach is to create a safe space where people feel comfortable and not pressured to open up if it does not feel natural to them. Sometimes that starts with just casual check-ins or more formal meet ups when our schedules align. I think the key is showing up consistently and being approachable so that when someone is looking to talk, they know you will be there.
 
 To me, successful mentorship involves authenticity and connection. It is about creating a space where both people can be themselves and learn from each other. A mentor might not always have all the right answers but being genuine and supportive goes a long way. I think the best mentorships go beyond academics to create spaces where you can talk about anything and everything.
 
To first-year students looking for mentorship I will suggest Do not be afraid to reach out and start a conversation or ask questions. I remember how overwhelming it felt to start medical school and how nervous I was to reach out, but most people remember what it felt like to be new. Upper-year students are usually happy to share their experiences, and some of the best advice I received came from casual chats in the hallways of the hospital. Mentorship does not have to be formal; it can be as simple as a chat over coffee, a quick message for advice, or just sharing a laugh in the student lounge.