THE PEER MENTOR ADVISING PROGRAM (PMAP)

The Peer Mentor Advising Program (PMAP) is an integral part of the Professional Development Advising Program.  PMAP was created in 1996-97, and grew out of the “Peer-Faculty” program that existed from 1987-1996.  The main purpose of PMAP is to assist students in adjusting to the many pressures and stresses of medical and pharmacy education within a small group context.  A secondary purpose of the Peer Mentor program is to provide students with a peer support group.

Many new medical and pharmacy students deal with feelings of inadequacy, deciphering the “rumor mill,” loss of former support systems, and the competitive nature inherent in being with “all smart students.”  PMAP helps first year students know they are not alone in dealing with these issues, provides an opportunity for guidance and support, assists students in finding appropriate campus resources and models professional behavior for future physicians.  Peer Mentors assist students in subsequent years with adjustments to clinical experiences and clerkships.  They stay involved with their students as they progress through school.

GOALS OF THE PEER MENTOR ADVISING PROGRAM

  • To provide students with an ongoing direct source of reliable information about medical and pharmacy education 
  • To assist students in developing an understanding of the collegial nature of medicine and pharmacy, and model the professional behavior expected of future professionals, such as the guiding and teaching of those who are new to the  field.
  • To teach students about healthy and ethical coping strategies to assist them through their years in the curriculum.  This includes teaching students where to turn for assistance and how to access College resources.
  • To provide peer support during a student’s adjustment to professional education and encourage students to seek out additional resources as needed.
  • To serve as a link between the Professional Development Advising Teams.  Peer Mentors encourage students to develop open lines of communication with their Professional Development Advising Team Faculty Advisors.

STRUCTURE OF PMAP

Each M2/P2 Peer Mentor is assigned to an M1/P1 PDAT group of 6-8 students  PMAP groups meet on a regular basis during the M1 and P1 year.

EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PEER MENTORS

  • Peer Mentors have a genuine interest in assisting fellow students in adjusting and succeeding in school.
  • Peer Mentors conduct themselves as role models.
  • Peer Mentors provide leadership and guidance to their peer group.
  • Peer Mentors work cooperatively together.
  • Peer Mentors attend all peer group meetings, provide a balanced point of view to students, and help students seek out the appropriate resources when needed.
  • Peer Mentors attend Peer Mentor training sessions.
  • Peer Mentors assist with summer event programming as needed.
  • Peer Mentors encourage their students to meet and seek guidance from the Professional Development Advising Team (PDAT) Faculty assigned to their students.
  • Peer Mentors keep the Director, Career Development & Advising, apprized of any advising issues should be addressed in PMAP.