• Questions students ask
• Questions advisors ask

Frequently Asked Advising Questions by Students:

Why should I choose an advisor?

A family medicine faculty advisor can get to know you, your strengths, weaknesses, hopes and fears, and use these to guide you through Medical School and selection of a residency. Advisors have "been there, done that," and have usually assisted many other students through the process. They can become an invaluable resource, guide, sounding board and assistant as you make important decisions about your future career.

An Advisorship can:

1. Establish a working and long-term relationship with a trusted faculty advocate.
2. Introduce you to resources and experiences that expand your understanding of family medicine.
3. Provide support and guidance through the residency application and match process.
4. Validate and support your interest in family medicine.

How should I choose an advisor?

From this website, look over the listings of advisors who have offered their services this year. If there is a faculty member that you know or have worked with in the past, this person might be a good advisor for you. If a faculty member has similar interests, background, or training where you would like to locate, this would also be a good choice. All faculty advisors have indicated interest in working with students, and are happy to meet with you, get to know you and address your concerns.

You will be asked to rank your choices for an advisor. We will get back to you with an identified advisor within a few weeks. The earlier you request an advisor, the more likely you are to get your top choice.

When should I choose an advisor?

We recommend selecting your advisor early in the course of Medical School. That way the advisor can get to know you in advance of residency application preparations and review your personal statement. If you select an advisor before you complete planning the fourth year, your advisor can answer questions about how to organize time off and discuss selection of electives. Last minute advising is less useful than careful advanced planning.

What happens after I select an advisor?

You will receive the name of your advisor and his/her office number and email.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE INITIAL CONTACT WITH YOUR ADVISOR TO ARRANGE A MEETING.

We encourage you to schedule at least half an hour for this first meeting so the advisor can get to know you and your needs. From this initial meeting, you and the advisor can discuss follow up plans. Some students meet many times with their advisors; others communicate more by phone or e-mail. A thank you note to your advisor after the match is greatly appreciated.

Frequently Asked Advising Questions by Faculty Advisors:

Why does the Department of Family Medicine have a student advising program?

The Department feels it is important to offer advising to students planning careers in family medicine to enhance their chances of successful matches. Students who participate in the advising program are less likely to remain unmatched. Students may also seek advice if they aren't sure they want family medicine as a career.

Why should I do this?

Remember when you were selecting a residency? Serving as a mentor and guide to students at this crossroad of career planning can be very rewarding. Helping eager students enter our profession is our way of giving back, and assisting the next generation of family physicians. It helps us keep in touch with the ideals and values of our profession and allows us to help future colleagues in unique ways. The time commitment is minimal, and the gratification high.

What do I do as an advisor?

Students will be assigned to advisors of their choice, with the goal of not overloading any faculty member with more than four students. You will be informed of the students assigned to you by Janet Short, the advising coordinator.

IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT YOU AND ARRANGE THE FIRST MEETING.

We will provide the student with your office and paging numbers. The meeting should be in a relaxed environment, and free of interruptions if possible. You may meet with the student only once, or several times. Some students and advisors keep in touch by phone and e-mail. At least one personal meeting is recommended. For the first meeting, we recommend getting to know the student (if you don't already) and engaging in a brief needs assessment. Some students may need help clarifying their concerns or areas of need.

What are common student needs?

• Guidance about clinical experiences in family medicine.
• Clarification about the breadth and depth of family medicine.
• Professional and personal support.
• Selection of fourth year electives.
• Steps regarding the process of residency application.
• Review, editing and guidance in development of personal statement.
• Selection of which residency programs to apply and interview.
• What to look for and what is most important to them in a residency program.
• Discussion of academic and extracurricular experiences
• Personal or family concerns regarding selection of a residency program.
• Selection of faculty to write letters of recommendation.
• Development of match list.

What if I don't know the answers to all the students' questions?

As advisor, you aren't expected to know all the answers, but to guide students to resources that may be helpful. None of us will know details about all the 400+ family medicine residency programs in the country. You can help students find their own answers by suggesting strategies for problem solving.

If questions or concerns come up, do not hesitate to contact David M. Deci, M.D., Director of Medical Student Education, or Teresa Kulie, M.D., Director of Family Medicine Advisorship Program.