PRISM Program

The Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine recognizes that the path to becoming a physician is enhanced through guidance and mentoring. The PRISM program (Promoting Reflection and Individual growth through Support and Mentoring) provides students with a multi-layered system of support that begins the first day of medical school and continues to graduation.

Goals of PRISM:

To provide a safe environment that encourages and fosters personal reflection

To promote self-care and wellness

To guide personal and professional development

To provide a resource for students seeking guidance and advice

To enhance team building and problem-solving skills

To assist in career exploration

Program components:

Mentoring teams – A group of 15 students is assigned to a faculty mentor. Mentoring teams stay together for four years.

Career Advisors – M3 students are assigned to a career advisor in each specialty of interest. The Office of Student Affairs also provides career advising to all students.

Peer Mentoring - M3 and M4 students will work with Faculty Advisors to help mentor junior students

PRISM Topics (M1):

Wellness

Expectations of the mentoring relationship

Adjustment to medical school

Self-awareness

Group dynamics/ team skills

Leadership

Empathy and compassion

Spirituality

Values

Mentor Details:

Are you…

a Beaumont Hospital physician?

an appointed faculty member?

interested in both the personal and professional growth of new medical students?

able to facilitate conversations between students about important issues?

willing to invest both time and energy in to students for the next four years?

looking for your own unique professional growth opportunity?

looking to cultivate a long-lasting, significant relationship with 10 amazing students?

What is the time commitment for a faculty mentor?

(1) Four-hour meetings per month (Thursdays, time TBD)

Reading and responding to monthly student reflections

(1) Individual meeting with student mentees (one per semester)

(2) two-hour summer training sessions (June or July)

Attendance at orientation kick-off banquet (week of August 6, 2012)

Participation in orientation challenge course (optional)

Attendance at the White Coat Ceremony on Friday, August 10 (1pm – 4pm)

Participation in mid-year and year-end evaluation meetings

Attendance at year-end banquet

Where will meetings take place?

Primarily at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak location

Occasional events on the campus of Oakland University

Expectations of the Faculty Mentor

Respect confidential discussions

Recognize and refer student who are struggling

Maintain professionalism at all times

Provide open, honest discourse about the medical profession

Serve as a role model and guide for students

What will you gain from being a mentor?

Personal satisfaction that comes with providing guidance to a small group of students

An opportunity to revisit your own professional goals and values

Fulfillment of Meaningful Participation requirement

Interested in becoming a faculty mentor?
Contact: Dr. Angela Nuzzarello
248-370-2909
nuzzarel@oakland.edu
Please send your CV