1. Senior Mentor Program Protocol at the University of New Mexico (UNM)
UNM School of Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Geriatrics

2. Explanation of the Files on this CD
The following slides give an overview of how the program has been implemented at the University of New Mexico.
The words on the slides in bold italics are the names of files or documents on this CD. (Not all documents are mentioned by name in this presentation. See Table of Contents for complete list of documents.)
You may adapt the documents as needed for your institution’s use.

3. Getting Started Met with and obtained support from
Dean of School of Medicine
Dean and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education
Key faculty members
Pertinent academic committees
Invited deans and other leaders to opening event
Their participation and observations generated even more support

4. Program Overview Psychosocial emphasis, not medical
Voluntary for both students and seniors
Students: interested 1st and 2nd year medical and physician assistant (PA) students
Seniors: aged 65 – 95+, community-dwelling, engaged in life despite chronic conditions
Recruitment:
Students: at orientation &
Mentors: through UNM geriatricians, word of mouth

5. Student Participants 1st year students 2nd year students
Requires hours during the academic year
NO course credit is given in first year
Students get a letter of commendation in their files
2nd year students
Open to 2nd year students who participated during their 1st year, but exceptions may be made for 2nd year students with no prior participation
New in fall 2006: 2nd year students may choose SMP as elective course credit if they participated in their 1st year and do additional didactic work

6. Primary Recruitment at Medical School Orientation
The Senior Mentor Program, along with other groups, has a booth at an outdoor luncheon during orientation.
Faculty, staff & current participants are available to answer questions and provide more information.
Students asked to give us contact information if they think they may want to participate, no commitment yet

7. Interested Students at the Booth

8. Senior Mentor Program Display

9. Secondary Recruitment of Students (after orientation, via email)
Students who signed up at our booth at orientation are sent:
The Message to Interested Students
The Student Brochure about the program
The Contact Form with their contact info filled in, for them to verify or correct
The Personal Information Form, Electronic version about their background and interests outside of medicine, to aid in matching them with a mentor

10. Secondary Recruitment, Con’t
The rest of the incoming 1st year class members are sent:
The Message, Non Sign-ups in case they are interested
The other attachments, as above, with the contact form blank

11. Third Contact with Students
Approximately 1 week later, we send the Reminder Message for Recruitment to ALL 1st year medical students and PA students unless we have received their completed paperwork.
This message allows them to just reply with a “yes” and fill out the forms in the next 5 days.

12. Mentors in the UNM Senior Mentor Program
Volunteers, mostly 70 and older (may include a few age if needed)
Examples of successful aging (active despite chronic conditions, engaged in life, mobile, upbeat) at the time of enrollment
Various backgrounds, ethnicities, professions
Encouraged to participate for at least two years with their same student

13. Mentor Recruitment
Pilot group of seniors known to faculty and staff, invited to participate
Program publicity during pilot year generated many calls from interested seniors
Word of mouth resulted in additional volunteers
Other potential sources: senior centers, university retirees, aging advocacy networks, local AARP chapter
Interested seniors are mailed a packet of materials (see Explanation of Documents for Senior Mentors and/or the Mentor Packets folder)

14. Overview of Timeline
See SMP Deadlines, 1st Year Students or SMP Deadlines, 2nd Year Students for the respective schedules
Preparing the students (orientation to the Senior Mentor Program)
Opening Event where students and mentors meet and get acquainted
Panel discussion with seniors
Student/mentor meetings
Celebration
Feedback

15. Preparing the Students
Student participation begins early fall
First Student meeting with faculty & staff
1½ hours, with lunch provided
Presentation on successful aging by Chief of Division of Geriatrics
Information about what’s required of them if they still choose to participate
Student Orientation slideshow
Students receive a packet of materials (See Student Materials, Preparing the Students)
Participants sign a Student Agreement Letter and complete any unfinished forms

16. Opening Event for Students and Mentors
Catered luncheon or afternoon tea, depending on scheduling issues and budget
Students and mentors meet for the first time
Optional slide presentation by director
After a brief exchange of information, each student introduces his or her mentor to the group
Should occur at least 2 weeks after preparing the students to give time for final matching of pairs and possible last-minute recruiting of additional mentors if additional students join the program late
See Opening Events folder for programs, slide presentations and photos

17. Student/Mentor Meetings
Pairs are to complete 3 meetings during the academic year, each by a specified date
Scheduled at mutually convenient times
Last approximately 2 hours
In mentors’ homes or other mutually agreed-on places
May meet more times if both parties agree
1st year students have specific topics and questions to cover (See the individual meeting topics in the 1st year student folder.)
2nd year pairs have a list of topics and activities to choose from (see Meeting Topics, 2nd Year).
If they are participating for PIM (Perspectives in Medicine) elective credit, the requirements include attendance at 3-4 discussions/didactic sessions and/or home visits with geriatric division physicians plus their mentor meetings.

18. Student/Mentor Meetings, con’t
We instituted two student discussion sessions for , at the suggestion of students in pilot year.
These were less successful than we anticipated, so they will be discontinued for academic year
New in will be one panel discussion with seniors plus small group breakouts if time permits

19. Celebration and Appreciation
Academic year ends with a group social event (ice cream social or brunch) for all participants
Mentors receive a certificate of appreciation and a thank-you note signed by faculty and staff
Students receive a thank-you note identical to the mentors’ notes but with the text at left, and a letter of commendation for their files
We appreciate your choosing to participate in the Senior Mentor Program, and we hope the experience is enlightening and helpful to you as a future physician.

20. Feedback (see Evaluation folder for instruments)
Pilot year ( )
Focus group interview with students
Student questionnaires
Individual interviews with each mentor
Notes from student discussion groups
Phone interview with each mentor
Notes from any calls initiated by mentors or students with questions or comments about the program

21. Feedback – Pilot Year Students’ quotes:
I think aging is what you make of it. My mentors are good examples of people who do not seem to dwell on their limitations, but enjoy life to the fullest.
We definitely formed a substantial connection over our three meetings.
I completely admire my Senior Mentor. I am completely intrigued with his history, his insights, and his fortitude.
We share similar views on how to live a fulfilling and successful life.
Growing older does not have to be degeneration, it can be a regeneration! Keeping the body healthy is key to keeping the mind healthy.

22. Feedback – Year 2 Students’ quotes:
My mentor and the rest of the amazing seniors at our very first meeting have definitely offered me a different outlook and attitude towards this growing population.
I admire my mentor’s life. She is such a strong, vibrant and just amazing person.
My mentor is vibrant, passionate, loving, brilliant and just an absolutely fabulous person to be around. Her energy is endless! What I am learning from her is that the senior population is diverse in their health just like any other societal grouping based on age, and that they should be treated as individuals.
I hope that when I reach her age, I have her passion for life and am just like her!

23. Feedback – Year 2 More Students’ quotes:
We always wish we could meet more often, but we are both busy and so it is only about once a month that we get together.
They say it is really nice to have younger people in their lives, but I am not sure they know how much I appreciate their wisdom. (Her mentors are a man and wife, 95 and 85 years old respectively.)
I think this has been one of the most rewarding things I have done so far in medical school. I really appreciate my mentors and the Senior Mentor project’s efforts to make this relationship possible and meaningful. Thank you. (from student who participated for 2 years and thinks she will go into pediatrics)

24. Feedback – Pilot Year Mentors’ quotes:
It’s like having another grandchild, and one with great potential.
What did I ever contribute? This is a golden opportunity for that [making a contribution to society].
You always felt he [med student] was engaged with who you were.
I was surprised how easy it was that we could talk about anything.
I felt like I got out of it more than I gave.

25. New and returning mentors and students, November 2005 (2nd year of program)

26. A Few of Our Wonderful Pairs

27. Contact Info
Senior Mentor Program
UNM Center on Aging
1720 Louisiana Blvd NE
Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87110 , Or