and via phone. Of the experience, one second-year stated, “I think the level of contact is good because it allows the mentor/mentee to develop the relationship on their own terms.” Another second-year student said of the experience: “My mentor has helped me gain a better understanding of the military aspects of residency and in general about how 3rd year might be. She has been very informative about things to do and has really set my mind at ease. She also is very responsive to questions and is very helpful just as an overall mentor. We keep in touch pretty well over the semester and I hope to continue to keep in touch into my future.” What seems to be a common thread is providing opportunities for students to connect with alumni, regardless of location, and giving the mentors and mentees the agency to grow the experience on their own terms, with UNE COM providing the framework to make those connections as meaningful as possible.
For years, the Office of Recruitment, Student & Alumni Services has organized Speed Networking events that naturally complement the COM Mentoring program. The event focuses on bringing physicians of different specialties and students together in a fast-paced networking opportunity. The simple objective is to expose students to the experience of working in various specialties, and to give them a better understanding of what specialties they may want to consider as they progress to their clinical practice in years three and four. The event also provides a relaxed, professional environment for students and physicians in which to interact. Because there is nothing at stake, students feel more at ease as they practice conversing and networking with alumni and friends. In this sense, it is the perfect time for students to build professional skills that will help them as they continue in medical school, residency, and eventually as practicing physicians.
This past August, sixteen physicians participated in the Summer Speed Networking, accompanied by over fifty students. According to the feedback, our alumni and friends appreciated meeting with so many students, and were impressed by the motivation and enthusiasm displayed throughout the event. One physician commented on the enjoyment of, “experiencing the energy the OMSI and OMSII students have at the infancy of their medical careers.” Another physician mentioned the professional attire of the first and second-year students: “I was so impressed by the students especially how they were dressed. That makes an impression on me.”
Students who participated were equally excited to learn from the experiences of other physicians. According to one student, “I enjoyed talking with all of the physicians and the laid back atmosphere of the event. I felt very comfortable asking questions.” In addition, the event allowed students to hear multiple points of view, personal experiences, and to connect with their peers with similar interests. “The thing I enjoyed most about Speed Networking was how we were arranged in our pairs/groups (of other students) and how much thought seemed to be put into what physicians we met with,” one student commented. “I had a great conversation with another student over our shared career interests that brought us closer and we were inspired together and fed off of each other's questions.”
L-R: Eric Matthews, DO '01; Mike McCarten, DO '83