about it helped so much – it helped normalize the experience.” 3 In this instance and many instances alike, the solution centered upon connecting with people, and most importantly, mentors.
Help Along the Way
I believe I speak for myself and others when I say mentorship is the most important aspect of the medical school journey. Dating back to high school when a student might have decided to enter the pre-med realm, school guidance counselors were there to create the perfect schedule, aligning science classes in the ideal order to take the ACT / SAT. Many students selected their undergraduate schools based upon their marketed“ pre-med programs” and high acceptance rates in order to ensure their own matriculation. This highly individualized support made the medical school dream seem attainable as opposed to impossible. In order to achieve any goal, but especially the goal of becoming a medical doctor, mentorship is vital.
What Qualities Make a Great Mentor?
The question of“ What makes a great mentor?” can be answered by both subjective and objective components. The subjective definition depends on the students and their personal goals for who they want to be. A key aspect of selecting a good mentor is the student’ s ability to see themselves or who they want to be in the mentor. This is nearly impossible to standardize, and for good reason. Students come in the fullness of variety. A beautiful aspect of medical school that I have come to enjoy is the variety of human experiences and the subsequent variety of potential goals. The definition of a medical student is no longer limited to a straight-A student from a middle- or upper-class demographic who started at the age of 21. Though this demographic is included, medical classes now include previous financial consultants and lawyers, former medical assistants and teachers. It includes students who have earned an additional masters or PhD in the determined pursuit of medicine. I have unrelenting respect for the students in my class who are mothers and fathers, caregivers, veterans and guardians, all while pursuing their dreams. We are a highly diverse group of future clinicians, and we are undeniably grateful to have reached this far in our careers.
As diverse as medical students can be, physicians may have us beat. Physicians in their variety are incredibly inspirational. Whether the physician is oriented towards research or the clinical and hospital, single, married or widowed, based in rural or urban areas, with the hobbies of hunting and gathering or luxury vehicles, they exist! They exist, and they practice medicine and impact their community in a meaningful way. The“ subject” aspect of mentorship should not be underestimated – for every student, there is most likely a physician who can share in their interest or goals.
The objective components of mentorship are what every student needs to succeed. The list of traits is exhaustive, but I’ ve compiled what
I’ ve seen in mentors throughout my life and others that have made a profound impact:
1. Great mentors are not defined by their titles, but rather, their posture. Their attitude towards students shows unrelenting support and care.
2. Great mentors create safety. They make it possible for a student to say,“ I do not understand,” without fear. They make it possible to be an unfinished product without shame.
3. Great mentors provide clarity. They help students translate a vague feeling into a concrete step. They help students see what matters and what does not, especially when everything feels urgent.
4. Great mentors tell the truth with care. They give feedback that is direct and specific, yet respectful. They critique in a way oriented towards growth and not flattery.
5. Great mentors are generous with access. They answer questions, yes, but they also open doors. They introduce, recommend, speak of students in rooms they have not yet entered.
Reach Out and Get Involved!
In order for students to get connected to physicians, or physicians with students, the University of Louisville School of Medicine can help to facilitate that process. Students should reach out to their advisor groups when they genuinely need help and utilize preceptorship opportunities to connect with physicians who have already indicated interest in student success. I would also encourage students to attend interest group meetings as well. Oftentimes, clinicians come to give lectures during lunchtime which allow students to get connected. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about future specialties as well as interact with future mentors. The Greater Louisville Medical Society( GLMS) is also another excellent platform for students to interact with physicians. GLMS is intentional to include students, which makes it a profound opportunity to not only network and connect, but observe physicians as they care and advocate for their community.
Reaching out and taking advantage of these opportunities can be intimidating, but it is the necessary step in order to mitigate isolation and get connected.
Resources:
1 https:// www. gse. harvard. edu / ideas / news / 21 / 02 / combatting-epidemic-loneliness
2 https:// www. aamc. org / news / medical-school-burnout
3
https:// www. usnews. com / education / blogs / medical-school-admissions-doctor / articles / common-reasons-students-leave-medical-school #:~: text = Why % 20would % 20
someone % 20want % 20to, will % 20fail % 20to % 20become % 20doctors
Temiloluwa Haastrup is a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
March 2026 11