MedPals: Shaping Futures and Enhancing Medical Education Through a One-on-One Mentorship Program

With an increasing number of aspiring physicians and the desire for medical schools to select well-rounded students due to the goal of providing patient centered care in the future, the medical school application process has become more competitive. Websites and school admissions counselors provide a wealth of knowledge, but first-hand accounts from medical students who have personally been through the process, provide an added benefit and serve as invaluable resources for pre-medical students. Through a pilot mentorship program between Western Kentucky University (WKU) and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UKCOM)’s Bowling Green campus, pre-medical students (mentees) were paired with first-, second-, and third- year medical students (mentors) based on common interests. Mentees and mentors met in-person at monthly workshops and remained in constant email communication throughout the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters. Overall, the pilot program was successful. Mentors gained leadership skills, and mentees received access to the medical students’ experiences. WKU students’ scheduled classes were barriers to mentees attending workshops causing fluctuating attendance percentages. To increase event turnout, the program’s leadership will review pre-medical class times prior to scheduling meeting dates and times. Based on end-of-the-year survey comments, participants recommended the program hosts more events to continue to foster the mentor/mentee relationship. Continuing to better the program will accomplish its goal of impacting medical education.