How will I be paired with a PHAA mentor?
Both mentors and mentees will fill out a survey and we will pair mentors and mentees together based on your career goals and what stage of the pre-health application process you are in. Please let us know if we do not have a mentor from our mentor pool in your particular interest and we will do our best to find a mentor who suits you.
How often will I be meeting with my mentor?
You will be meeting with your mentor for a 30-minute zoom call every two months for 1 academic year. This totals to 6 meetings. We understand that the mentors and mentees may have to occasionally cancel; we ask that you meet with your mentor a minimum of 5 times in the year.
How do I report every scheduled, rescheduled, cancelled or attended meeting with my mentor?
You should email phaacolorado@gmail.com with the subject line:
“FIRSTNAME LASTNAME_MENTOR MEETING REPORT_MONTH_SCHEDULED/RESCHEDULED/COMPLETE/CANCELLED”.
Include your name, your mentor’s name, the meeting date/time, and any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Please make sure to send this report within 24 hours after your mentor meeting so that you have completed it. Someone from the PHAA team will reply to all completed and cancelled meeting emails to confirm receipt and make sure you do not need any additional support. You still need to send us emails for scheduled and rescheduled meetings as we use these to keep track of all mentor meetings.
Will you be checking in with us before our scheduled meeting with our mentor?
No. It is up to you to communicate with your mentor and attend your meetings in a timely manner. We understand that life happens and that you may occasionally be running late or will need to cancel your meeting. We ask that you communicate with your mentor and give them ample warning if you are running late or are not going to make it.
How should I prepare for my meetings with my mentor?
When you check in with your mentors be sure to have a list of questions that you may have. We recommend that you prepare beforehand by considering where you are right now, where you want to be in the future, and how your mentor might be able to help get you there. Feel free to ask them about what you should be doing to best prepare yourself to enter their profession, about career or life advice, or anything else you might think of!
How long can I participate in PHAA?
All mentor/mentee pairings are meant to last for one academic year, however, we encourage you to maintain a relationship with your mentor after you have completed the 1-year PHAA program as your mentor will be a valuable connection. (Think continued shadowing opportunities and letters of recommendation!). Once you are a PHAA program alum, our support team will always be available to you for application assistance, such as personal statement editing and interview prep.
Will I be able to shadow my mentor?
We highly encourage all mentees to shadow their mentor if possible. It is up to you to connect with your mentor to see about appropriate times to shadow. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance. Given the current circumstances due to COVID-19, please be aware that most shadowing opportunities in clinics and hospitals have been put on hold due to safety and lack of PPE. We recommend that you keep in contact with your mentor, even after your completion of the 1-year PHAA program, so you can potentially shadow at a later date.
What are the expectations for shadowing?
Shadowing Etiquette Checklist:
Arrive early. You should get there at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled shadowing time. This will give you time to sign any paperwork required for the hospital or clinic.
Dress appropriately. You should look polished and clean. You should wear business casual attire (button-up shirt, dress pants, closed-toed shoes). Also make sure what you are wearing is comfortable and anticipate having to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Ask questions! It might be helpful to brainstorm some questions beforehand. Please make sure you are asking your questions at an appropriate time, such as between patients (if there is down time) or at the end of your shadowing appointment.
Be sure to send a thank-you card or email. This should typically be done within 24-hours of your shadowing experience. In the note you should include a statement of appreciation to your mentor for allowing you to shadow and state anything that you found particularly interesting or learned from the experience.
Remember, when you shadow this is a privilege, and you are not only representing yourself, but PHAA and your mentor as well. Please be cognizant and present yourself with the utmost professionalism.