Mentoring - College of Osteopathic Medicine

The College of Osteopathic Medicine mentoring system is designed to help you adjust to life as a medical student.

Big Brother/Sister
When new students first arrive on campus, each student is assigned a big brother/sister who is a second-year student. Assignments are made in the spring before students matriculate. The big brother/sister can pass along important tips to each first-year student, not to mention provide them with the encouragement that comes in realizing they can also succeed. Each year during orientation, the University hosts several events on campus geared toward allowing first-year students the opportunity to socialize and develop relationships with their big brothers/sisters.

Faculty Advisor
Each student is also assigned a faculty advisor. Knowing how valuable this type of mentoring relationship can be, the University hosts a faculty advisor luncheon the first day of student orientation. This gives all first-year students the opportunity to build rapport with their advisor before academic challenges begin. Faculty advisors continue to meet regularly throughout the year with their advisees.

Alumni Networking
In addition, all students have the opportunity to establish mentoring relationships with alumni through the KCUMB alumni networking program. First-year students are invited to share breakfast or attend a reception with area alumni in the fall. Alumni panels and the alumni online mentoring network provide students the opportunity to ask candid questions about how they can be successful in medical school, selecting clerkships, selecting a specialty and becoming a physician.