I founded the Underdocs in January of 2021 in response to the increasing need for high quality mentorship for our underrepresented pre-meds and medical students. The number of underrepresented students in medicine is small, but the number of medical students and physicians from underrepresented backgrounds is even smaller. If you are interested in participating in our program, I encourage you to read more about it below or visit underdocsmentorship.com! We welcome all potential mentors regardless of background.
OUR MISSION
To empower pre-med & medical students from underrepresented groups to thrive as future physicians through strong mentoring relationships that are enduring and personal.
ABOUT US
While there are many great mentorship programs available for pre-meds and medical students, few are dedicated to students from underrepresented groups. Lack of shared experiences, relatable mentors, financial resources, and institutional support are common barriers to representation of underrepresented groups in the physician workforce.
The purpose of this program is to connect mentees to likeminded mentors that share a common experience and can relate to one another, as well as provide the additional guidance and support that mentees need to thrive.
We also know that strong mentoring relationships that are enduring and personal are essential for success, which we hope to address with this mentorship program.
Underdocs was derived from the term “underdogs”, which was modified to “underdocs” to reflect the doctors of the future!
Founder: Kelly, first-generation college graduate, low-income, Chinese-Vietnamese, under-average GPA
Co-Founder: Andrew, first-generation college graduate, Latinx, under-average GPA and MCAT
WHAT IS AN UNDERREPRESENTED GROUP?
- UCSF definition of underrepresented minorities will be used:
African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Filipino, Hmong, Vietnamese. - AAMC’s definition of minorities in medicine will be used to expand our definition of underrepresented: First-generation college student/graduate, low socioeconomic status or economically disadvantaged.
ELIGIBILITY
Mentees
- Pre-med, 1st or 2nd year medical students (MD or DO).
- Must be from an underrepresented group.
Mentors
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year medical students (MD or DO).
- Preferably from an underrepresented group, however any medical student may apply!
- Mentee will be asked for their preference. Matches will be optimized by looking at other characteristics as well!
MATCHING PROCESS
- Matches will be optimized as much as possible based on shared characteristics, such an underrepresented background, strengths of mentor and needs of mentee, common interests, personal story, etc.
- Pre-meds mentees will typically be matched with 1st and 2nd year medical students, while 1st and 2nd year medical students will be matched with 3rd or 4th year medical students.
EXPECTATIONS
- Maintain regular contact throughout the quarter as schedule allows (text, email)
- 1 meeting per month (phone or Zoom) OR as needed if contact is maintained regularly throughout the quarter.
- Set goals monthly at meetings OR as needed if goals are discussed through other means.
- Record meetings briefly in provided Google Sheet (for volunteer hours, accountability, goal tracking)
- E.g. Meeting via phone for 5 minutes, discussed GPA/MCAT
- E.g. Met this week for total of 1 hours via text, email, etc.
- Submit quarterly feedback (every 3 months)
- To determine Excellence Awards, where winners receive gift card + recognition on social media platforms)
- Make it FUN and make it LAST!
Encouraged
Touch base once a week via text, email, phone, Zoom. etc.
Strongly Encouraged
Mentees attend workshops/career panels (topics selected by mentees to maintain relevancy)
STRUCTURED MENTORING (Optional)
- Given the many barriers to medical school as an underrepresented student, some students find that they may benefit from more guidance, time management skills, discipline, and goal-setting.
- Commit to 1 meeting per month (no set duration)
- Set goals at monthly meetings.
- Mentor suggests tasks with due dates if mentee finds this beneficial.
- E.g. During application season, it can get hectic quickly! Mentor may suggest a date to submit your application to help you stay competitive and on track!
- Structure will be modified to your needs upon discussion with mentor!
QUARTERLY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
- The Underdocs Team will nominate mentors based on feedback forms.
- Winners receive gift cards and recognition on our website and social media platforms!
QUESTIONS?
Email: theunderdocs@gmail.com
Follow our Instagram account for updates! @the.underdocs