What is a mentor? ...a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks.
Learn more about mentoring. This Mentor Handbook (pdf) further defines a mentoring relationship and provides recommendations on finding a mentor as well as effectively taking on the role of protege.
Some osteopathic colleges have "mentoring programs" in which a student is paired with a more experienced person such as a faculty member, who advises and serves as an example as he/she advances. A mentor can serve as a confidant, a source of advice, a centering force and a friend. Some mentor relationships are very formal, while others may be quite informal. Mentors enjoy serving in the role and are happy to work with students, so don’t hesitate to be in touch with your mentor when you need something. Check with your Student Services staff to see if your school has a mentor program in place.
The AOA has a mentor program that connects osteopathic medical students, interns and residents with established physicians to help build a better future for osteopathic medicine.
.