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Mentoring matters
Mentoring-that delicate art of fostering accomplishment by example-is another way disciplines seek to help students prosper in their careers. In the medical school, for instance, "we solicit physicians from the community to serve as mentors for incoming medical students," says Stephen B. Pollack, M.D. '82, president of the medical alumni association. "The focus is more of a personal rather than professional mentorship. However, this year, we made attempts to match the student with a mentor in his or her desired field of study (if indicated on the application).
"The program is voluntary, and provides the opportunity for a first-year medical student to talk with a physician about medical school, the practitioner's field of practice, obstacles and challenges. We indicate that the relationship is completely up to the mentor and student. Some meet for coffee or at the office, talk on the phone or communicate via e-mail. Based on my experience, community physicians are more than willing to help an incoming medical student. And the students really appreciate having a program available to them should they wish to take advantage of it." Other mentoring programs are currently under way throughout the university. To learn more about mentoring opportunities, go to www.alumni.buffalo.edu/getinvolved_volunteer.html#mentor.
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