At Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine, the Pre-Graduation Mentorship Program has been implemented for all students since the establishment of the faculty in order to support their academic, social, and career development. Each student is paired with a faculty member mentor; the mentorship process is carried out not only through individual meetings but also, as of the 2024–2025 academic year, through a hybrid mentorship model that includes group interaction. Within the scope of the program, students’ career planning is supported, their individual development is monitored, and guidance is provided for their academic lives. The mentorship system is an institutionalized support structure that contributes to students’ academic and professional development through regular feedback mechanisms and strong student–faculty interaction. In addition, students’ well-being is supported through a holistic approach via psychological counseling and health services offered within the university.
Mentorship in Medical Education
- Mentorship differs from advising; in mentorship, the personal relationship is as important as the professional one, whereas an advisor may or may not be a mentor depending on the nature of the relationship.
- Throughout their education, a medical student may have more than one mentor of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities, and benefit from each of them in different ways.
- Medical education is a long-term experience. Mentorship supports this process, contributes to social development, and provides guidance for future career decisions.
- A good mentor takes a personal interest in the young physician candidate and guides them throughout their professional development process. They generously share the clinical skills and experience they have developed over the years.
- A mentor is a role model who is well-equipped in their field of expertise, follows scientific advancements, and possesses up-to-date knowledge. The mentor’s goal is to ensure that the student continually improves both personally and academically.
- Effective mentorship requires mutual trust, understanding, and empathy.
- Mentors also provide guidance in conducting scientific research and writing academic papers.