Table 1.

Student challenges in prior GMED mentorship structure and evidence-based strategies used to improve the mentorship program.

STUDENT FEEDBACK ON CHALLENGES FACED DURING GMED CAPSTONE PROJECT COMPLETION IN PREVIOUS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM		EVIDENCED-BASED STRATEGY USED TO ADDRESS CHALLENGE
Trouble identifying a capstone project	“After two years of searching for a suitable capstone project, I was stumped. … As a lowly, lone medical student, I did not find much enthusiasm or support. After this setback, I was discouraged and briefly abandoned the idea of working with [population of interest].” “The Capstone was very difficult for me when I first entered medical school. I did not have a firm idea of what I wanted to work on.”	An assigned academic mentor assists the student in identifying a capstone project mentor and provides consistent mentorship throughout program.
Lack of experience in developing a research project	“The experience included many bumpy rides. Some of the reasons [include] poor experience in research design on my end.” “Running a validated method is still a bit of a struggle for me. I collected data three times, and each time things went slightly differently, making comparison of each set impossible.”	An individualized development plan (IDP) allows students to stay on track and receive better follow-up and guidance from mentors.
Lack of financial and human resources	“This quickly proved to be very difficult with significantly less manpower and funding available. This realization showed me that I had to tackle a smaller part of the problem at hand.” “I think at this point in my medical career, I was used to setbacks but my capstone project had changed multiple times (due to lack of mentors) and each time it became increasingly more difficult to keep going and reassess the situation and see where I can pick up the pieces, or to start completely anew.”	The mentor up approach teaches students to better vocalize their needs to their mentors and receive the support they need. A network of mentors provides greater access to human and other resources to benefit students.