What is PeerConnect
PeerConnect is a peer mentorship program, founded by a team of MBBS students and graduates. The program addresses numerous shortcomings of the medical education system, particularly the culture of independent, unsupported learning among medical students, and the lack of career counselling. We tackle these issues in two ways:
We provide an opportunity for students to access mentorship services, both as a mentor and mentee.
We maintain a blog under constant development that provides information on different pathways to residency, different career prospects after MBBS (within and outside healthcare), unique student and doctor experiences, ways to maximize on the time and resources available during MBBS and much more.
What services does PeerConnect offer?
Below is the list of fields that PeerConnect hopes to provides mentorship in:
MBBS exam strategies
NEET
AIIMS
USMLE
PLAB
Leadership during MBBS
Alternative career paths after MBBS including but not limited to Masters in Public Health, Masters in Hospital Administration.
Why did you start PeerConnect?
Through our own experience, we recognized that MBBS is incredibly difficult, and there is far too much to process at once. PeerConnect stems from a desire to help make the process of becoming an incredibly successful medical professional easier, enjoyable and far more efficient by promoting a culture of shared growth.
Who runs PeerConnect?
PeerConnect is founded and operated by a core leadership team composed of current medical graduates and recent Alumni from Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, India. Find out more about each of our team members here
How can PeerConnect help me?
We all need someone to look upto, someone to speak to, someone to seek guidance from. Navigating through MBBS successfully is crucial to establishing a strong base to launch an impactful medical career, and yet somehow medical students are expected to do it all by themselves. We at PeerConnect believe in sharing our knowledge and experiences to help medical students reach their potential in an efficient manner. Through this process, we hope to open new doors and provide a wealth of opportunity to all.
How can I help the team?
There are multiple ways in which you can contribute to PeerConnect! Below is a list of currently available opportunities:
Sign up to be a mentor today!
Sign up to volunteer with one of our teams today! (Coming soon)
You can also help us out by spreading the word regarding our organization and following us on our social media platforms!
How can I provide feedback?
We are always looking to improve our services, and we believe that your feedback will be the cornerstone of our evolution. Please fill out the feedback form here. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you.
What is mentorship?
Mentorship is the process by which an experienced individual i.e. the mentor shares their knowledge and experiences with someone seeking help i.e. the mentee. Mentorship extends beyond the walls of a classroom, and serves to help students overcome both academic and non academic challenges of their journey through realistic, easily applicable strategies. The principles of good mentorship are based on shared growth and genuine support especially in times of need.
Why is mentorship necessary?
We all need someone to look upto, someone to speak to, someone to seek guidance from. Navigating through MBBS successfully is crucial to establishing a strong base to launch an impactful medical career, and yet somehow medical students are expected to do it all by themselves. We at PeerConnect believe in sharing our knowledge and experiences to help medical students reach their potential in an efficient manner. Through this process, we hope to open new doors and provide a wealth of opportunity to all.
How does PeerConnect organize mentorship?
PeerConnect makes accessing support and guidance from credible sources easier than ever before. We recruit verified individuals that have established themselves in particular non academic and academic fields related to the field of medicine. Each of these individuals is then trained extensively in strategies that will help optimise their communication of skills and ideas to those seeking guidance. Once their training is complete, each of these individuals is referred to as a “mentor”. PeerConnect then very carefully pairs medical students that are seeking help in particular fields (mentees) with mentors that can provide inspiration, guidance and motivation in that very field. It really doesn’t get much better than this!
How can I benefit from mentorship?
The benefits to mentorship are endless. Mentors can provide insights that are directly applicable to your ongoing challenges while helping you overcome challenges using unique, easily implementable solutions. Remember, your mentor will likely be someone who has gone through the challenges that you are currently facing, and come out successful on the other side. They will not only help you overcome the barriers, but will also help you stand out in the process. Mentorship will create new opportunities and provide guidance that cannot be found elsewhere.
Is mentorship data kept confidential?
Yes! PeerConnect values confidentiality above all. All team members, mentors and mentees are expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.
If you are aware of any breaches in confidentiality, please reach out to any one of the core leadership members immediately.
Who organizes the mentorship process?
PeerConnect’s core leadership team overlooks and approves all mentor-mentee pairings. A mentee and mentor are paired together after taking into account various considerations including preferred language, form of communication. The goal is to create pairings composed of like minded individuals that work together to achieve unparalleled heights.
How can I provide feedback on the mentorship process?
We are always looking to improve our services, and we believe that your feedback will be the cornerstone of our evolution. Please fill out the feedback form here. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you.
What is a mentee?
A mentee is someone who is seeking support and guidance from an individual who has successfully navigated through similar experiences in the past. After all, we all need guidance at some point in our lives.
How do I sign up to be a mentee?
It is simple, just fill out the Mentee registration form linked here
How costly is it to access help through PeerConnect?
Nothing at all! PeerConnect believes in making help easily accessible to medical students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We, therefore, do not charge for our services.
Will my information as a mentee be kept confidential?
Yes! All the personal information and concerns discussed on PeerConnect platforms will be kept confidential unless clearly stated otherwise. Our mentors and core leadership team will be trained regarding the importance of confidentiality and continue to regard it as a top priority in their day to day work.
How much time will it take to be paired with a mentor?
PeerConnect believes in providing help to all in an efficient and timely manner. When a new mentee joins our community, we cross reference the lists of services being requested with the list of the services being provided by our ever growing list of mentors. The goal here is to ensure that each mentee is paired with a like minded mentor who successfully overcame the challenges that the mentee is currently facing. Naturally, this means that pairing times are variable. At the moment, our goal is to successfully match mentees and mentors within one to two weeks
What if I am not satisfied with the mentorship?
If you are not satisfied with your mentor’s services, please complete and submit the following feedback form. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you. All conversations and documentation in this scenario will be confidential. Once we receive your feedback, PeerConnect will work towards solving the problem through an extensive review of events, and implementation of appropriate solutions that may include assigning you a new mentor.
What fields can I seek mentorship in?
Below is the list of fields that PeerConnect hopes to provides mentorship in:
MBBS exam strategies
NEET
AIIMS
USMLE
PLAB
Leadership during MBBS
Alternative career paths after MBBS including but not limited to Masters in Public Health, Masters in Hospital Administration.
Can I be a mentee in multiple fields?
Yes! MBBS is difficult in more ways than one, and we want to provide all the support that you could possibly need.
Can I be a mentee as well as a mentor?
Yes! Growth is a continuous process, and everyone needs help at some point in time. Our mentors and mentees are encouraged to sign up for help when they feel necessary as well. Our only requirement is that an individual may not apply for a mentorship position and seek mentorship within the same field.
How can I provide feedback?
We are always looking to improve our services, and we believe that your feedback will be the cornerstone of our evolution. Please fill out the feedback form here. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you.
What will my time commitments as a mentee be like?
As a mentee, you have the opportunity to request help at your own pace. We at PeerConnect understand through our own previous experiences that MBBS is ridiculously difficult, and requires a lot of time and effort. We therefore believe in giving mentees and mentors the opportunity to establish their own meetings so as to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.
I am not comfortable with XYZ language, can I be paired with a mentor who speaks my vernacular language?
Communication is the key to success! All mentors and mentee pairings will take into account the individual preferences of spoken language.
I am not comfortable with XYZ gender, can I seek mentorship from someone of my gender?
Yes! We are grateful that you are putting your hand up to act as a mentor, and we will take into account any special requests that you may have. We just request that you explicitly state these requests in your application so that we are aware of them from the beginning.
I am not comfortable meeting my mentor in person, can I speak to someone using another form of communication?
Yes! The COVID era has ushered us to use alternative forms of communication on a daily basis. As a mentor, you will get to decide the ways in which you wish to be accessible. Options will include, but not limited to:
In person interaction
Phone call (through personal phone number)
Text messaging (including platforms like Whatsapp)
Online Audio/Video call via alternative platforms
Direct messaging on social media
Regardless of the form of communication being used, we request that both parties (the mentor and the mentee) keep the information confidential.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is an experienced, trustworthy individual who provides support and guidance in a compassionate yet confidential manner to someone seeking help. Whether it be to provide emotional support or advice regarding how to overcome a particular challenge, a mentor is someone who is willing to put their hand up and help others succeed.
How do I sign up to be a mentor?
It is simple, just fill out this form.
Will I be paid to mentor others?
PeerConnect believes in making help easily accessible to medical students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We unfortunately are unable to provide monetary benefits to our mentors at this time, and appreciate their efforts and time in selflessly volunteering to help others succeed.
Am I capable enough to provide mentorship?
At PeerConnect, we believe that everyone has the ability to help others in one way or the other. It is just that simple. Don’t worry, PeerConnect provides mandatory training for all of its mentors to help optimize their skills, and maximize their impact.
How much time will it take to be paired with a mentee?
PeerConnect believes in providing help to all in an efficient and timely manner. When a new mentor joins our community, we cross reference the lists of services that they are willing to provide with the list of services being requested to by our ever growing list of mentees. The goal here is to ensure that each mentee is paired with a like minded mentor who successfully overcame the challenges that the mentee is currently facing. Naturally, this means that pairing times are variable. At the moment, our goal is to successfully match mentees and mentors within one to two weeks
What if I am not satisfied with the mentorship?
If you are not satisfied with your mentorship, please complete and submit the following feedback form (link to feedback form here). Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you. All conversations and documentation in this scenario will be confidential. Once we receive your feedback, PeerConnect will work towards solving the problem through an extensive review of events, and implementation of appropriate solutions that may include assigning you a new mentor.
Can I terminate the relationship when I feel necessary?
Yes, all pairings in PeerConnect can be terminated when one or both parties involved feel that doing so is appropriate. If you would like to terminate your current mentor-mentee pairing, please reach out to us immediately. Termination of a pairing does not restrict you from requesting for further help through PeerConnect in any form, we are happy to continue to support the people involved in any way possible.
What fields can I provide mentorship in?
Below is the list of fields that PeerConnect hopes to provides mentorship in:
MBBS exam strategies
NEET
AIIMS
USMLE
PLAB
Leadership during MBBS
Alternative career paths after MBBS including but not limited to Masters in Public Health, Masters in Hospital Administration.
Can I be a mentor in multiple fields?
Yes, you can sign up to be a mentor in as many fields as you wish. PeerConnect firmly believes in helping others in as many ways as possible.
Can I be a mentee as well as a mentor?
Yes! Growth is a continuous process, and everyone needs help at some point in time. Our mentors are encouraged to sign up for help when they feel necessary as well. Our only requirement is that an individual may not apply for a mentorship position and seek mentorship within the same field.
How can I provide feedback?
We are always looking to improve our services, and we believe that your feedback will be the cornerstone of our evolution. Please fill out the feedback form here. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our core leadership team via text, email or even direct messaging on social media. In case, you would prefer to speak to someone in person, simply let us know and we will have our on campus team members meet with you.
What will my time commitments as a mentor be like?
One of the perks of signing up as a mentor with PeerConnect is that you get to work at your own pace. You will have the opportunity to define your own work hours! If at any point in time, you feel overburdened or feel like you are ready to take on more, simply let us know.
I am not comfortable with XYZ language, can I be paired with a mentee who speaks my vernacular language?
Communication is the key to success! All mentors and mentee pairings will take into account the individual preferences of spoken language.
I am not comfortable with XYZ gender, can I provide mentorship to someone of my gender? Yes! We are grateful that you are putting your hand up to act as a mentor, and we will take into account any special requests that you may have. We just request that you explicitly state these requests in your application so that we are aware of them from the beginning.
I am not comfortable meeting my mentee in person, can I speak to someone using another form of communication?
Yes! The COVID era has ushered us to use alternative forms of communication on a daily basis. As a mentor, you will get to decide the ways in which you wish to be accessible. Options will include, but not limited to:
In person interaction
Phone call (through personal phone number)
Text messaging (including platforms like Whatsapp)
Online Audio/Video call via alternative platforms
Direct messaging on social media
Regardless of the form of communication being used, we request that both parties (the mentor and the mentee) keep the information confidential.
(Coming soon)
How can I help PeerConnect?
We appreciate your will to participate in this effort of ours and help us take this forward. We not only wish to receive your inputs to help out the given department you’re volunteering with, but also want your valuable advice and suggestions for the betterment of the programme.
What are the different departments I can volunteer with?
We’ll be accepting volunteers in almost all the departments (as per requirement), these are:
Social Media.
On-campus Operations.
Outreach.
Blog management.
direction.
What skills do I need to be a volunteer?
We’re basically looking for people sharing the same vision as us towards the betterment of the educational system through mentorship, and are willing to devote some time for the same.
Each department will require a separate skill set, each of which will be mentioned on your volunteer packet.
What can I expect to learn as a volunteer?
We aim at providing a beneficial experience to everybody working with us. As a volunteer, you can expect to brush up your communication and leadership skills, along with learning to operate various softwares like “Trello” (as a Match Direction volunteer). We’ll also provide opportunities for you to organise meetings and workshops in and around the college that can help you gain a working experience(as an outreach volunteer). Nevertheless, working as a volunteer with peerConnect can add up to your CV.
How do I register to be a volunteer?
We are yet to roll out our volunteering services. Stay tuned for updates!
How do I know which department I want to volunteer with?
If you have an eye for aesthetics and design, a knack for anecdotes and witty lines, you should probably go for ‘Social media’ volunteership, or if you feel you have a good command over language and have basic editing skills and website handling knowledge, ‘Blog management’ can be the department for you.
Will volunteering with a department help my chances to be a leader in the future?
Yes! By volunteering with us, you’ll already learn about the ideas and working of the organisation. As peerConnect grows and we begin to explore more avenues, new leadership opportunities might come up. Also, if the current leaders, under any circumstances wish to step down, the people who have already worked with us will be preferred over others for the leadership positions.
Can I use my volunteer experience on my CV?
Yes! Working with peerConnect will provide you opportunities to learn many skills and can help boost your CV.
Bonus point: you can add peerConnect to your linkedIn profile as well.
What will my time commitments be like?
We’re aware that devoting too much time as an MBBS student/Intern can be difficult and overwhelming, so your timings as a volunteer can be flexible. We will just require you to meet the given deadlines at your own pace. The exact time requirement, though, will vary according to the department you’re volunteering with.
Can I be a mentor/mentee while I am volunteering?
This can be a little tricky. You can be a mentor/mentee when you’re volunteering with most of the departments, except Match direction. Being a volunteer under match direction, you’ll have access to the information about mentors/mentees and thus, you being one of them can influence the match process, so to avoid that, volunteers in this particular department won’t be allowed to participate as a mentor/mentee.
Can I stop volunteering when I am unable to?
Yes! We understand that working with us along with managing your academic/personal commitments can sometimes be overwhelming. So you can step down anytime, by giving a prior intimation to your department leader.
How will my work as a volunteer be assessed?
There isn’t any hard and fast assessment criteria for the volunteer performance. We aim at creating a non-judgemental workspace and believe in co-learning as we grow. So, the team members can provide each other constructive feedback and work together to sort out any difficulties that might arise.
Will I receive any recognition for my efforts as a volunteer?
Yes! You’ll get professional experience on your CV, letter of recommendation, certificates, feature post on the social media, etc