For Mentors

• TIME COMMITMENT: at least 2 hours/month from October-end of school year (this is something that you will ultimately work with your mentee to determine)

• A medical student/attending physician (depending on volunteer availability)

• Get to know the mentee

• Discuss goals and expectations for the mentorship

• Provide resources/advice and professional development based on their own experience of applying to medical school and general information about medicine

• Adhere to the professionalism agreement

• NOT: pre-med advisor, tutoring resource, counselor

We have agreed on the following goals as the focus of this mentoring relationship:

• To introduce the mentee to the role of a physician

• To assist mentees with the development of goals toward becoming a physician

• To develop a dynamic relationship fostering professional growth for mentees

Guidance should be tailored to the individual needs of mentees. For example, mentees who are in high school may need advice about their focus of study and grades, college acceptance, and volunteer opportunities. College students may need advice about prerequisite requirements, volunteering, MCAT studying, and applying to medical school. Both sets of students may want a shadowing experience with their mentor.

In order to ensure that our relationship is mutually rewarding and satisfying, we agree to have:

Respect for Patients

We will ensure respect and confidentiality for patients. As professionals, we will demonstrate this respect and confidentiality through demonstration of appropriate language and behavior by embracing non-threatening and non-judgmental approaches. We will be truthful by not intentionally misleading or giving false information to any patient or individual.

We understand the importance of upholding the strictest level of confidentiality except in situations where we are obligated by law to do otherwise.

Respect for Others

Our behavior and any communication should demonstrate respect for the diversity of our colleagues. We will not use disparaging remarks or actions about a person’s race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, national or regional origin, religion, or sexual orientation. We will create an environment that fosters mutual learning, discussion, and respect, while avoiding any act of communication or physical contact that could create a hostile or intimidating environment.

By its very nature, the mentoring relationship will be one-sided. Mentees are not expected to reciprocate the time or effort given by mentors. It would be inappropriate for mentors to accept gifts from mentees or to ask for favors in return for their time, such as babysitting or chores. All meetings should take place via zoom or in a public place, such as a library or coffee shop. Shadowing and clinic experiences should take place during normal clinic hours when staff and patients are present.

Respect for Self

We encourage and wish to emphasize one’s ability to uphold their own personal ethics, beliefs, and morals. We believe diversity serves to enrich the medical profession as a whole.

Respect for Community

We will be readily aware of how our words and actions may affect the sense of acceptance that is essential to an individual’s or group’s participation in the community. As our actions reflect on us as current and future physicians, we actively strive to adhere to our standards of professional conduct within our daily lives, extending to our community endeavors.

For students who are under 18 years of age, we will collect and share parent information with the mentor and mentor information with the parent. We ask that parents participate in at least the first mentoring session to meet the mentor and ask questions. Parents are always welcome to attend additional sessions but are not required.

Adapted from: The Student Honor Code for the University of Washington School of Medicine (https://education.uwmedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/UWSOMhonorcode.pdf)