The inclusion of mentoring in the medical course curriculum: an experience report

Abstract:

Introduction:

In 2018, a new pedagogical project (PP) was implemented in the medical course of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. In this framework the opportunity arose to include a module for the practice of mentoring. At that time there were several issues related to life on campus that had been worrying the community, such as the need for students and teachers to take part in the PP, very young students living away from their families, students from traditional schools unfamiliar with the active teaching-learning methodologies that form the basis of the course, summative assessment and recovery from unsatisfactory performance, hazing, living with diversity, student autonomy and the construction process of the identity of the medical professional.

Experience report:

In the new PP, the Guided Studies module guaranteed a space for mentoring within the curriculum from the first to the third year, in small, protected groups. At the end of the first year, the regular teachers’ assessment revealed difficulties that were overcome through teacher training in mentoring, supported by experienced teachers who helped to give identity to the mentoring, shaped to the characteristics of the course and the PP. The following evaluation revealed an evident improvement in the perception of students and teachers. A survey was conducted at that time among the majority of those involved, bringing to light new information that allowed for mentoring guidelines for each year of the course to be established.

Discussion:

The entire three stages implementation process of the module was very rich and required the participation of all those involved.

Conclusion:

This experience allows us to infer that, due to its complex and changeable characteristics, mentoring must be built in close relationship with the community and adjusted to the needs of each course and its pedagogical project.

Keywods:
Medical Education; Mentors; Professionalism; Medical Students