Launching in January 2024, the new IU School of Medicine Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are designed to provide support to students and help them connect with others and grow professionally. For students, the goals of the PLCs are to:
- Create a sense of community and belonging so that each student feels seen and heard.
- Foster caring relationships with faculty and peers for student wellness.
- Cultivate professional identity formation as future physicians.
Students will spend time reflecting on learning experiences and growing in leadership and communication skills. The PLC program is centered on social gatherings to build social cohesion and school spirit, while providing coaching, mentoring and advising throughout all four years of medical school. This will be accomplished through peer-to-peer, near-peer and faculty-student interactions. PLC faculty-physician mentors will work with students in collaboration with Lead Advisors and Career Mentors.
The PLC program is recruiting faculty-physician mentors for the program.
Job description
Faculty-physician mentors will be responsible for meeting with students one to two times a month. Monthly sessions include social gatherings with thematic discussions (wellness, summer plans, choosing a specialty), a service project for community volunteering and additional professional development topics (communication, leadership, work-life balance, etc.). An orientation and training session will be provided to mentors in Canvas.
Job qualifications
Ideal candidates are physicians with an interest in coaching, mentoring and advising a longitudinal cohort of students throughout their four years of medical school. Strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills and experience working with students are important. In addition to promoting an inclusive culture, candidates will be asked to commit to the program for a minimum of two years, but ideally, at least four years.
Time commitment
Beginning in January, faculty-physician mentors will be expected to spend 30-60 minutes a month preparing for monthly sessions and providing program feedback. Preparation may include watching assigned videos, reading articles, reviewing session content or e-mailing students. Each monthly session will be about two hours. As the program develops, mentors may need to meet with two classes in one month for four hours a month.
Compensation
PLC faculty-physician mentors will receive an annual stipend.
Application process
Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this position to Dr. Corinna Yu, director of student development in student affairs. A letter of reference from a student, peer and/or chair is recommended. Priority deadline for applications is September 30. Selected physicians will be expected to attend an orientation, tentatively scheduled for January 25-26, 2024.
