August 30, 2024 | By Samuel Ofei-Dodoo, Ph.D., MPA, M.A., CPH, associate professor and assistant dean of medical education

Mentorship is a cornerstone of medical education, profoundly influencing the personal and professional development of aspiring physicians. It serves as a vital bridge between academic learning and clinical practice, providing students and trainees with guidance, support and inspiration. As the medical field becomes increasingly complex, the role of mentorship becomes even more essential. Here is a story of how mentorship shaped a student research assistant’s path to medical school.

Leah Faust-Duncan had always been captivated by the mysteries of the human body and the potential of medical science to improve lives. As an undergraduate majoring in life science, she was determined to pursue a career in medicine. However, the road to medical school was daunting, filled with rigorous coursework, competitive exams and a demanding application process. Despite her passion and dedication, she often felt overwhelmed and unsure of her path.

After graduating, Leah secured a position as a research assistant working with me while at the time I was working in the Department of Family & Community Medicine. I specialized in research involving professional burnout among physicians, residents and medical students, exploring the impact of burnout and emotional distress on health care professionals, and Leah was thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to such important work. Little did she know this experience would bring her invaluable knowledge.

From the start, I recognized Leah’s enthusiasm and potential. During a first meeting, I took time to understand her goals and challenges. I saw her passion for medicine but also noticed her uncertainty about how to navigate the journey ahead. I offered to mentor her -- a proposal she eagerly accepted.

My mentorship began with helping Leah integrate more effectively into the research team. I taught her fundamental research principles that allowed her to critically evaluate the validity and reliability of study designs, methodologies and data analyses, and encouraged her to think critically about their research questions. Leah’s confidence and skills grew rapidly. She began to take on more responsibilities, eventually leading her own projects within the larger research study.

Beyond the research, I provided Leah with a wealth of advice on academic and career development, including helping her identify key courses to take, providing strategies for studying and connecting her with other professionals in the field. Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded application, I also encouraged her to engage in community service and extracurricular activities that reflected her commitment to helping others.

I also supported her through the medical school application process itself. I reviewed her personal statement, offering detailed feedback and helped her craft a compelling narrative that highlighted her research experience, academic achievements and passion for medicine. I then connected her with other colleagues in the DFCM who helped her with medical school application and guided her in selecting schools that aligned with her interests and strengths.

One of the most transformative aspects of my mentorship was assistance with interview preparation. I conducted mock interviews, simulating the high-pressure scenarios she would face during the actual medical school interviews. With constructive criticism and tips on communication she could refine her responses and build confidence. Leah also had a similar mock interview with other faculty members in the DFCM.

As her research progressed, I encouraged her to present her findings at conferences and to co-author papers. These accomplishments not only enhanced her resumé but also provided her with invaluable experiences in public speaking and academic writing. Through these opportunities, she learned to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly and persuasively — a skill that would serve her well in her medical career.

In addition to the mentoring, I felt it important to provide emotional support. The journey through life can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Our conversations offered a safe space for Leah to express her concerns and challenges. This support helped mitigate feelings of isolation, burnout and imposter syndrome, promoting mental well-being and resilience. Knowing that someone is invested in their success can be a powerful motivator for students and trainees.

When it came time for Leah to apply to medical schools, I encouraged her to ask for a letter of recommendation from Rick Kellerman, M.D., former chair, DFCM. His letter detailed her intellectual curiosity, dedication and the significant contributions she made to their research. It was a powerful testament to her abilities and potential as a future physician.

The day Leah received her acceptance letter from the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita was one of the happiest of her life. She immediately thought of all the faculty and staff in the DFCM and the incredible journey they had shared. She had a Zoom call with me to share the news and greeted me with a proud smile.

"Congratulations, my friend, your family must be proud of you!" I said.

Leah’s path to medical school was shaped profoundly by our mentoring experiences. With guidance, encouragement and belief in her potential, she transformed her aspirations into reality. As she embarks on her medical education, she is determined to carry forward the lessons learned, hoping to one day mentor other aspiring medical students and contribute to the cycle of support and inspiration in the medical community.

I attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine’s Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony to support Leah as she took her oath of commitment.

This mentor-mentee relationship continues as Leah pursues her medical education.

The importance of mentorship in medical education cannot be overstated. It is a critical component in shaping competent, compassionate and well-rounded physicians. By providing professional development, role modeling and emotional support, mentors contribute significantly to the success and well-being of their mentees. As the medical community continues to evolve, fostering strong mentorship relationships will remain essential in cultivating the next generation of health care leaders.

Note from Leah Faust-Duncan:

“I was extraordinarily fortunate to have the experience that I have had with the school of medicine and especially with Dr. Ofei-Dodoo during my journey to medical school. As a premedical student, the task of crafting a well-rounded application and finding experiences that would prepare me for a career in medicine were daunting. Thankfully, when I reached out to the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita to inquire about research opportunities, I was met with immediate kindness and encouragement from Dr. Ofei-Dodoo. His enthusiasm for his work and for the students here at KUSM-W immediately made me feel comfortable and eager to learn. I was allowed to be part of numerous research projects that were such wonderful insight not only into the world of medicine, but also into the incredible atmosphere and learning environment at KUSM-W. As I am now beginning my first year of medical school, I know that I am well prepared with both the academic knowledge and the wisdom for life I have been privileged to obtain from my time with Dr. Ofei-Dodoo.”