Everyone is Your Teacher
Everyone is Your Teacher
I had the most incredible experience as the medical director for the Undergraduate Plummer Scholars program at Mayo Clinic. We built a summer program with the exact resources that I wished I had access to as a rising junior in college. During this week I was exhausted by all that I had to share with these 8 brilliant students. What I did not anticipate in return, was the awe inspiring energy they would provide such that my cup runneth over.
I have told my fellows, residents, medical students and undergraduates that everyone you encounter is your teacher.
I have told my fellows, residents, medical students and undergraduates that everyone you encounter is your teacher. It is your responsibility to learn from them and incorporate what you need. Mentorship comes in various forms though its impact remains the same. The influence of an effective mentor can change paths, correct courses, and influence dreams. The absence of a trusted source of support can also lead to isolation, missed opportunities, and failed attempts resulting in wasted time and energy.
Medical students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine can suffer the results of limited mentorship for multiple reasons including a sense of isolation, imposter syndrome, and limited resources. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are often the first physicians in their families and may not have had access to a physician other than their pediatrician. The number of underrepresented faculty in US medical schools are also severely lacking. In addition to scholarship support, leadership training, and financial management education, ElevateMeD scholars will be assigned a physician mentor to help provide perspective, psychosocial support, and career guidance.
To all of you, thank you for the gift of seeing things anew. For teaching me about grit, resiliency, efficiency, and perhaps most immediately applicable…photo boomerang.
Become a mentor with ElevateMeD.
-Alyx Porter Umphrey, MD, FAAN
Founder
