perspective on the realities of medical practice, lessons that cannot always be found in textbooks.
One of the most effective teaching strategies, according to Dr. Yared, is encouraging students to think critically before providing answers.
“ Don’ t give them the answers immediately,” he advised. Instead, ask students to explain their differential diagnoses and clinical reasoning. This approach strengthens decision-making skills while building confidence and independence.
Equally important is demonstrating reliability and integrity.“ Integrity is as important as knowledge,” he said, emphasizing that professional character remains a cornerstone of effective medical practice.
A practical example of mentorship in action can be found in the physician-led“ coffee hours” developed with students from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. What began as informal educational sessions has grown into a successful forum where students can ask questions, discuss emerging medical topics and gain insights that complement their formal curriculum.
The sessions cover a wide range of clinical subjects, including cardiac arrhythmias, pacemakers, sudden cardiac death and advances in artificial heart technology. Discussions also explore topics that receive limited attention in traditional coursework, such as patient-physician relationships, managing difficult patient encounters, financial wellness, malpractice prevention and insurance considerations for physicians.
Perhaps most importantly, the coffee hours create a safe environment where students can openly discuss challenges and uncertainties. Dr. Yared noted that sharing stories from his own 40-year career( including both successes and setbacks) helps to normalize the struggles students face during training. By hearing firsthand accounts from experienced physicians, students gain perspective and learn examples of resilience.
The impact of these mentorship opportunities was reinforced by second-year University of Louisville medical student Caden Seraphine, who described how physician involvement is expanding the horizons of medical education. As curricular changes continue, including the transition of Step 1 to pass / fail grading, students are increasingly seeking experiences beyond the classroom to strengthen their professional development.
Seraphine emphasized that physician mentors play a critical role in helping students navigate both the formal curriculum and the“ hidden curriculum” of medicine: the interpersonal skills, professional expectations and practical knowledge that shape everyday clinical practice.
For many students, mentorship provides access to experiences that cannot be replicated through lectures alone. Whether discussing residency interviews, reviewing complex clinical cases or exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, physician mentors help bridge the gap between education and practice.
As workforce challenges, technological advances and educational changes reshape healthcare, mentorship remains one of the profession’ s most powerful tools. Experienced physicians possess a wealth of knowledge that extends far beyond clinical expertise. Their stories, perspectives and guidance can help prepare future physicians not only to practice medicine, but to thrive in it.
For physicians considering how to remain engaged after retirement, or how to make a meaningful impact during their careers, mentorship offers an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. By investing time in students and trainees, physicians ensure that the values, wisdom and professionalism that define medicine continue to be passed from one generation to the next.
References
Rupert DD, Alvarez GV, Burdge EJ, Nahvi RJ, Schell SM, Faustino FL. Student-Run Free Clinics Stand at a Critical Junction Between Undergraduate Medical Education, Clinical Care, and Advocacy. Acad Med. 2022; 97( 6): 824-831. doi: 10.1097 / ACM. 0000000000004542
Nguyen QT, Pham DM, Nguyen HV, Pham PA, Nguyen VHK, Nguyen NLK. The impact of a longitudinal mentorship program on medical students: A mixed-methods study. PLoS One. 2025; 20( 12): e0338476. Published 2025 Dec 5. doi: 10.1371 /
journal. pone. 0338476
This summary was generated by AI transcription software based on the live presentation delivered during the GLMS Foundation’ s Senior Physician Speaker Series. Thank you to Dr. Sam Yared for reviewing and adding insights to this summary.
GLMS Foundation Senior Physicians Speaker Series
Make sure to add these dates to your calendar so you don’ t miss out! August 4, September 2, October 6 and December 1
All meetings will take place at noon via Zoom. The program is free and open to GLMS members and their guest. Please contact us for more information on the programs and how to access the meetings. Senior Physicians Committee Chair, Dr. Sam Yared, has several speakers already lined up, but is always looking for new ideas. If you have suggestions on potential speakers or topics, please reach out, we would love to hear your ideas! Missed a recent program and want to catch up? Contact us for a link to the recordings. foundation @ glms. org | 502-736-6366
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