Health Mentors Program: Distributed Sites Connect in First Virtual Support Meeting

On February 5th, six Health Mentors from Kelowna, Prince George, and Victoria gathered virtually for a dedicated support meeting designed specifically for mentors at educational sites outside the Lower Mainland, known as distributed sites. The session marked an important milestone for the program, creating space for connection and reflection beyond campus-based settings.

Hosted by the Patient & Community Partnership for Education (PCPE) team, the meeting invited mentors to reflect on their experiences supporting students, exchange insights, and strengthen relationships across regions. Although mentors come from different communities, the conversation revealed shared themes of relationship-building, student growth, and the meaningful role mentors play in health professional education.

As part of the gathering, Dr. Christie Newton and Dr. Kelly Allison presented Cohort 14 mentors with certificates of recognition in appreciation of their contributions to student learning.

A central focus of the meeting was student reflections and final letters written to mentors. Nan Stevens and Lynda Neilson shared excerpts that highlighted the profound impact of the program on students’ professional development and identity formation.

An Occupational Therapy (OT) student wrote: “I want to thank you for everything you have provided to our group. This will forever be a highlight of my training to be an OT. I hope I can pass it forward by encouraging more students like myself to participate in this program. You are an incredible person who has done amazing things in all areas of your life, and this program strongly highlighted that.”

A medical student wrote: “Our discussions gave me space to think more deeply about what it truly means to listen, to advocate, and to honour someone’s lived experience. You helped me understand that being present – genuinely, patiently, and without judgment – is as meaningful as any clinical intervention… I’m leaving this experience with a stronger sense of purpose, and with a deeper commitment to practicing medicine with empathy, humility, and advocacy at its core.”

Mentors also engaged in thoughtful discussion about their experiences in distributed contexts, sharing strategies, questions, and ideas for fostering meaningful dialogue. The conversation underscored both the common strengths and unique contributions of mentors across sites, while reinforcing the value of ongoing connection and support. This first virtual gathering laid the groundwork for continued engagement and affirmed the essential role distributed-site mentors play in the Health Mentors Program.