As part of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth's commitment to transform medical education and graduate the complete physician, we launched our 4-year, longitudinal coaching program in August 2019.
This program connects all incoming medical students with a faculty coach for the duration of their studies at Geisel, enabling students to build close rapport with their coaches, maintain consistent academic & professional support, and engage in numerous small group and individual coaching sessions. Students meet in small group coaching sessions every six weeks, focusing on broad topics like the medical school roadmap, professional identity formation, professional enculturation, and self-regulated learning. Then, in quarterly one-on-one coaching sessions students receive individualized support in building and reflecting on their goals, challenges, and experiences. Importantly, students drive these individual sessions and are able to schedule additional one-on-one sessions with their coaches as needed.
The result of this program is improved student support in long-term planning and decision making, professional identity development, and academics throughout their time at the Geisel School of Medicine. Our coaches also serve as a key linkage to the many other academic and support services at Geisel.
The Coaching Program is directed by Colleen Kershaw, MD.