Coaching
In order for our students to reach their highest potential, faculty coaches walk alongside students on their path to becoming amazing physicians and physician scientists. The coaching program is designed to promote a longitudinal coaching relationship to aid each student’s educational journey and professional development. This program replaces a traditional academic advising model and is a truly unique approach to supporting our students.
At orientation, each student is placed into a coaching cohort of eight to nine students where Gateway Coaches (clinician-educator faculty members) begin to guide students through individualized assessment data to foster lifelong learning. Students meet in cohorts and individually with their coaches to process their experiences and build community and to review their individual competency portfolio and set learning goals.
Coaching cohorts provide a safe and supportive environment for students to reflect on their values and passions so that they can become their most authentic selves as academic physicians.
“Mentorship thrives at WashU Medicine, no matter your role. People care about each other, more so than any place I’ve worked.”
Amjad Musleh, MD, Director of Coaching; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and of Emergency Medicine
Advising
Personal and academic student advising occurs within two broad programs: Preclinical Counseling and Career Counseling. Our overall approach to advising is open, facilitative and flexible. The aim is to link students with faculty who have interest, knowledge and experience to best help students identify and achieve their goals. Students are encouraged to seek out and get to know any faculty members who have relevant information. WashU Medicine faculty members welcome inquiries from and interactions with students.
Support and counseling for underrepresented students
With support from the Office of Diversity Programs, faculty and students collaborate to create an environment that supports personal achievement and development of students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Throughout the year, students and faculty organize and coordinate academic, cultural and social activities that promote multicultural awareness and sensitivity, and that teach cultural competence and celebrate diversity.
Career advising
Each third-year student selects a career faculty advisor who is a specialist in the field in which the student will be seeking a residency appointment. Career advisors have responsibility for reviewing the student’s choices for fourth-year electives and making appropriate recommendations for the structure and content of the elective year.
Big Sib program
Every incoming student is matched with a second-year student who acts as a “Big Sib” (sibling) through a program coordinated by the Academic Society student leads. Matching is often based on shared backgrounds, interests and other factors that the students might have in common. Sibs are introduced to each other at Orientation. Throughout the year, they share advice, insights, class notes, materials and occasional inspirational treats like homemade cookies or a Starbucks gift card. Sweet!