The Afghan Clinic Pre-Medical Mentorship Program

Program Details

Our mentorship program connects Afghan physicians and medical students with Afghan pre-medical students. Through regular engagement,  mentors will help mentees navigate obstacles on the road to medical school. Mentors will provide mentees with guidance on their career development, education goals, and learning styles/techniques. 

In our program:

• Mentees are college students (community college, 4-year university) or post-baccalaureate students in the United States and are interested in pursuing a career as a physician

• Mentors are Afghan physicians and medical students who have completed some part of your training in the United States

Program Curriculum

1. Monthly Mentorship Meetings

Mentees are assigned a mentor based on shared interests and backgrounds. Mentees meet with their mentors one-on-one once a month on Zoom or via a phone call for mentorship and advice relating to the medical school application process.

2. Monthly Professional Development Workshops

Teams of 3-4 mentors develop presentations for the mentees on topics relating to the medical school application process. All mentees attend the monthly workshops together. Mentees and mentors supported the development of the curriculum and topics for monthly workshops.

Workshop topics for the 2023-2024 cohort:

• An Overview of Medical Training: Medical School, Internship, Residency, Fellowship and Practice

• MCAT Exam Overview and Preparation (Tips & Logistics)

• Self Reflection: Why Medicine?

• Challenges and Drawbacks of Pursuing Medicine

• Medical School Application Process & Finances

• Mastering the Art of Marketing Yourself - Crafting a Powerful CV and Resume

• Personal Statement: Answering 'Why Medicine'

• Balancing Multiple Identities: Afghans in Medicine

• Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health

3. A Close-Knit Community

Our mentorship program is a close-knit community where mentees stay connected via Slack, sharing resources and opportunities with each other. Our mid-program check-in ensures that we continue to meet the mentees' unique needs, and we host healing circles (per the mentees' request) to provide a safe space for them to share experiences.