Mentoring programs in medical education: students’ perceptions and challenges to student engagement

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mentoring programs have been increasingly implemented in medical schools as strategies to support students’ academic and personal development, contributing to a more comprehensive medical education. However, challenges related to students’ awareness of mentoring activities and engagement in these programs may limit their effectiveness. Objective: To analyze medical students’ perceptions of the institutional Mentoring Program at the Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA) as a strategy to promote comprehensive medical education. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach conducted among medical students at CESUPA. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire developed by the authors and applied online via Google Forms. The estimated sample size was 275 participants, and 159 valid responses were obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Among the participants, 40.9% reported being unaware of the activities offered by the mentoring program, and 62.3% stated that they had never participated in its activities. Additionally, 19.5% of students did not know who their mentor was, and 66.7% considered the program’s dissemination insufficient. Regarding the temperament questionnaire proposed by the program, 69.8% of students reported not having completed it. Participants suggested improving communication strategies, creating direct communication channels between mentors and mentees, and promoting discussions related to academic and professional planning. Conclusion: The findings indicate that although the mentoring program represents a relevant strategy to support comprehensive medical education, challenges remain regarding students’ awareness of the program and their engagement in its activities. Strengthening institutional communication strategies and fostering closer interaction between mentors and mentees may help increase student participation and enhance the benefits of mentoring in medical education.