Implementing and sustaining a mentorship program at a college of pharmacy: The Keys to Successful Mentorship

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mentor and mentee opinions of The Keys to Successful Mentorship, a longitudinal student-led mentorship program established at a college of pharmacy. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: In 2008, a mentorship program was created whereby first year pharmacy students (mentees) were paired with third year pharmacy students (mentors). An anonymous survey was administered to second (P2) and fourth (P4) year pharmacy students identifying strengths and weaknesses of the program. FINDINGS: Results of the survey administered to the P2 and P4 pharmacy students revealed that there was a strong desire to take part in the mentorship program. Of the respondents, 77% of P2 and 70% of P4 students stated the mentorship program aided in their professional growth. Mentors disagreed significantly more than mentees that participation in the program should be optional. Qualitative findings suggested that the program assisted students in building professional relationships and networks, better prepared them for experiential training, and helped with post-graduate decisions. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a longitudinal student-led mentorship program was supported by student pharmacists and may aid in their professional development.