15 Impact of Mentoring of Underrepresented Minorities in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this review is to evaluate the impact of structured mentoring programs on underrepresented minorities in undergraduate medical education. Method A comprehensive search strategy was performed of electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid Medline, and EMBASE between January- September 2022 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Both qualitative and quantitative outcomes including characteristics of the mentoring structure explored within each study were collected, and differences in study outcomes analysed. Results In total 17 studies were included for analysis. Mentoring within underrepresented minorities resulted in an increase in research opportunities, exam performance, medical specialty applications and residency matching. Structured feedback yielded positive experiences by both mentors and mentees participating in programs, with both emotional and cultural competence issues explored across studies included for analysis. Conclusions Mentoring for medical students underrepresented in medicine across mentoring relationships including peer, senior, formal, and informal structures yield positive outcomes within research, academic modules, and career pathways. Future applications of mentoring programs should consider the use of tandem mentoring from both senior and peer mentors to optimise benefits URM students derive from each mentoring relationship.