Community Based Mentoring for Resident Physicians

Preventive medicine can be approached in various ways, all with the purpose of avoiding illness or injury before it occurs. Physicians can use their position of influence, clinical skills and medical expertise to promote healthy lifestyles. Emergency medicine physicians and residents at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a mentoring program in conjunction with an after school program from Indianapolis Public Schools. As part of this program a mentoring notebook was created for both mentor and student. It is founded on the 13 core values of Benjamin Franklin: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, chastity, tranquility and humility. It helps guide discussion and is used as to aid busy physicians/residents to mentor high risk adolescents in a structured format.

This set of lessons is intended to encourage interaction between students and mentors regarding important topics that affect health. These topics include nutrition, communication, organization skills, and conflict management. The program and notebook are designed to prevent injuries and illnesses commonly encountered, and educate resident physicians regarding community based programs and doctor patient relationships.