Alumni Resources

ODME Undergraduate Programs Alumni Network

In the past decade, our alumni network has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of support and guidance for current and recent participants alike, transforming into a robust community driven by a shared commitment to giving back and fostering the next generation of medical professionals.

Alumni continue to come back and give back, leading roles as summer faculty and staff, participation in the pathway programs speaker series, sharing expertise and experiences with aspiring health professionals. Alumni continue to serve as points of contact and advisors for recent transfers, graduates, and health professions school entrants navigating the complex landscape of medical education and career development. The invaluable support facilitates various transitions from student to trainee, and ultimately, professional.

The new alumni mentorship program launched early this year, was possible only through donations of our alumni time and experience. In addition to their time and expertise, alumni have also rallied together to launch a fund aimed at improving service and support for ODME undergraduate program participants. This fund serves as a testament to their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in medical education, ensuring that all aspiring physicians have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our ODME undergraduate program alumni network has evolved into a powerful force for positive change. Through these efforts, alumni are not only shaping the future of medicine but also leaving a lasting legacy of support and solidarity for future program participants. Learn more about our alumni network below:

On This Page

Introducing MEET

Introducing MEET. Mentor(ing), Empower(ing), and Excel(ing) Together (MEET) reflects a collaborative and supportive community of people on the health professions continuum, drawing from alumni of the ODME Undergraduate Pathway family of programs. Mentors and mentees come together in a shared journey of learning, support, and growth.

Overview: Meet is designed to provide invaluable guidance, support, and inspiration to aspiring healthcare professionals by connecting them with near-peer and experienced mentors from the alumni community of ODME undergraduate programs. This near-peer mentorship initiative aims to foster meaningful relationships and connections that empower mentees to navigate the complexities of the pre-health journey with confidence.

Why Join

 

  • Guidance: Benefit from small group and individual guidance to help you navigate your goals, challenges, and aspirations on the path to a healthcare career.
  • Insider Insights: Gain valuable insights into the medical school application process, MCAT preparation,  interview strategies, and the day-to-day life of healthcare professionals from those who have successfully navigated similar journeys.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build a professional network within the healthcare field, connecting with mentors who can provide advice, introductions, and opportunities for growth.
  • Skill Development: Enhance your professional and interpersonal skills, including communication, time management, and resilience, under the mentorship of experienced ODME undergraduate programs alumni.
  • Motivation and Support: Receive ongoing encouragement, motivation, and emotional support from mentors who understand the challenges of pursuing a career in healthcare.

How it works?

  • Application: Complete a brief application to help us understand your background, goals, and preferences. This information will guide us in matching you with the most suitable mentor.
  • Matching Process: We will match mentees with mentors based on shared interests, career goals, and experiences. We aim to create partnerships that foster meaningful connections.
  • Orientation: Mentors and mentees can familiarize themselves with the program structure, expectations, and guidelines. It is a precursor for setting initial goals with your mentor/mentee.
  • Check-Ins: Engage in quarterly check-ins with your mentor/mentee to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. These meetings can take place virtually or in person, depending on your preferences and availability.
  • Workshops and Events: Attend workshops, webinars, and networking events organized by ODME to further enhance your knowledge and skills as a mentor or mentee. These events provide additional opportunities to connect with the broader ODME undergraduate program alumni community.

Eligibility: The program is open to alumni of our undergraduate programs (SPSP, HCOP, SSCCPP, SRECC, LEAP, SSCCrP) who are pursuing or planning to pursue a career in healthcare. Mentors and mentees can range from undergraduate students to individuals in post-baccalaureate programs, medical students and physicians/health professionals.

Don't miss the chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to supporting each other on the journey to a rewarding career in healthcare. Apply now to join the ODME MEET Mentorship Program.

The application for 2024 has closed. If you are a mentor/mentee interested in signing up for the 2025 program, please click here to submit your application. 

What can you accomplish in a year?

Join the inaugural Mentoring, Empowering, and Excelling Together (MEET) program and successfully navigate your next transition! Alumni will be paired in a near-peer fashion to facilitate relevant advice and support supplemented by programming organized by the office of Diversity in Medical Education reflects a collaborative and supportive community of people on the health professions continuum, drawing from alumni of the ODME Undergraduate Pathway family of programs. Mentors and mentees come together in a shared journey of learning, support, and growth.

  • Minimally, participants must agree to a full year commitment -  quarterly mentoring sessions are required.
  • Additional opportunities include mentor training, workshops, evening/weekend lectures, and special events.
  • In-person meetings are not required
  • The inaugural program will begin in January with suggested quarterly sessions in March, June, September, and December (based on mentor and mentee schedules)


To learn more, click here. We are actively recruiting mentors and mentees for this low time commitment, high value opportunity.

Meet Ben Carvalho

Ben Carvalho - Your Near Peer Mentorship Program Organizer

from Tracy, CA and is currently a 3rd year medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in cognitive science, and is an alumnus of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, CA. As a non-traditional medical student, he previously was an intern at Sandia National Laboratories for 4 years and worked as an Operations Manager at Amazon before pursuing his pre-med journey. Within the Stanford ODME, he was a member of the LEAP 2017-2018 cohort and has been a member of the SSCCPP staff as instructor/support for its MCB course for the past 5 summers. He is working to create a Stanford ODME Near-Peer Alumni Mentoring program to pair current and/or past ODME programs alumni within a variety of health professions programs into longitudinal mentorships. Mentors would serve to help navigate mentees through their own recently traveled academic milestones - anywhere from community college through graduate school - to help maximize opportunity and enhance success for their next health professions goals. The program would involve quarterly 1-hour mentor/mentee meetings (at minimum) with the objective to focus discussion on quarterly themes such as scholarly activities, academic support, utilizing local institutional resources, application prep, study/exam strategies, professional development opportunities, etc.

 

Send Us Your Updates

Have you participated in a ODME program (LEAP, HCOP, SPSP, SSCCPP)?

Send us your personal and professional milestones, achievements, awards, or update your contact information using our alumni update form. You will be asked to upload a photo, indicate which ODME program you were part of, and  provide a personal or professional update.