Working with a mentor is a requirement for completion of the Underserved Pathway. Students are required to have at least one substantive interaction with their mentor per quarter for the duration of his or her time in the Pathway. Meetings can be in person, by phone, or by email.

During your first two years of medical school there is often little contact with providers who serve vulnerable populations. Clerkship opportunities in underserved sites are also limited. A longitudinal experience may support your commitment to care for the underserved and provide you with valuable insights into practicing in underserved settings.

Our mentors are physicians from across the WWAMI region working with rural and urban underserved populations. These mentors are there to answer questions, provide advice, and to support students through their education and professional development.

How Does the Mentor Assignment Work?

UP advisors will match you with a mentor based on the answers you provide on your pathway application. Matches are made on a first-come first-served basis and students can request a particular mentor. For example, students often have an existing relationship with a preceptor or a college mentor they enjoy working with. Once students are notified of the mentor match, students are responsible for making the first contact with the mentor.

To be matched with a physician mentor, first apply to join the Underserved Pathway (UWNetID Required).

The UP advisor may contact you to set up an interview to help determine the best mentor for you, or will contact you with your mentor match information.