FOR MENTORS
Help Shape the Next Generation of Canadian Physicians
Meaningful mentorship can have a lasting influence on a medical student’s confidence, development and career. CanMMP connects students attending Canadian medical schools with physician mentors who are willing to share their experiences, perspectives and guidance through a personalized, one-on-one relationship.
Who can participate?
CanMMP welcomes mentors at different stages of their medical careers, including:
Staff physicians
Residents
Fellows
Retired or
non-practising physicians
Participation is completely free. Mentors do not need to have previous mentoring experience or an academic appointment to participate.
Why Become a Mentor?
Serving as a CanMMP mentor is an opportunity to:
Support a medical student’s personal and professional development
Share lessons from your own training and career
Help students navigate important decisions and transitions
Contribute to a more accessible and supportive medical community
Develop your own mentorship and leadership skills
Encourage students who may have limited access to mentorship or professional networks
What Can Mentorship Involve?
Every mentorship relationship is different. Mentors and students are encouraged to discuss their goals, interests and expectations at the beginning of the program and collaboratively determine the focus of their relationship.
Depending on the student’s needs and the mentor’s experience, discussions may include:
Exploring specialties and career paths
Navigating medical school and clerkship
Preparing for residency and CaRMS
Pursuing research and leadership development
Building professional confidence
Managing transitions, challenges and setbacks
Understanding different practice environments
Developing short- and long-term career goals
These are suggested areas of support rather than required components. Mentors are not expected to advise on topics outside their experience or comfort level.
How it works
A simple six -step process:
01 Apply
Tell us about your professional background, experience, interests and mentorship preferences
02 Get matched
CanMMP identifies a student whose goals and interests align with the areas in which you feel comfortable providing guidance.
03 Connect
The student initiates contact after both participants receive their match information.
04 Establish your approach
You and your mentee agree on your goals, preferred meeting format and frequency of communication.
05 Build the relationship
Meet throughout the year and adapt the mentorship as the student’s goals evolve.
06 Share feedback
Complete brief program evaluations to help CanMMP assess and improve the mentorship experience.
What mentors can expect
CanMMP provides a recommended framework while allowing each mentor and mentee to establish arrangements that reflect their goals, schedules and preferences.
We recommend maintaining the mentorship relationship for approximately one year. However, pairs may agree to a shorter or longer relationship based on their individual needs and preferences.
We recommend meeting once every one to two months. Mentors and mentees may choose to meet more or less frequently depending on their availability and goals.
Mentorship may take place virtually, in person or through a combination of both, as agreed upon by the mentor and mentee.
Mentors may identify the specialties, career topics, student stages and other areas in which they feel best equipped to provide guidance. Preferences will be considered but remain subject to student needs and availability.
Matches for the upcoming cycle will be released during winter and spring 2027. Applicants will receive further information about timelines after applying.
Either the mentor or mentee may choose to end the relationship if the match is no longer suitable. Participants should communicate this respectfully and notify CanMMP so that the relationship can be formally closed.
Mentor Responsibilities
Successful mentorship requires active participation from both the mentor and mentee. By joining CanMMP, mentors are expected to:
Respond to their mentee’s initial message within a reasonable period
Communicate respectfully and professionally
Work with their mentee to establish realistic goals and expectations
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Respect the student’s background, experiences and perspectives
Avoid sharing identifiable patient information
Inform CanMMP if communication breaks down or concerns arise
Complete brief program evaluations
Notify CanMMP if they are no longer able to continue the relationship
Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding information shared within the relationship
Mentors are encouraged to provide honest, supportive guidance while remaining within the limits of their experience, professional role and availability.
The mentor application may ask about :
01
Specialty and areas of clinical experience
02
Career stage and professional background
03
Topics the mentor feels comfortable discussing
04
Preferred student year or stage of training
05
Province or medical school preferences
06
Preferred language
07
Availability for virtual or in-person mentorship
08
Personal background or lived experience
09
Experience supporting students from particular communities or backgrounds
Matching preferences
CanMMP considers several factors when matching mentors and students .
Questions about identity and lived experience are optional. CanMMP will make every reasonable effort to consider each mentor’s preferences, but specific match characteristics cannot always be guaranteed.
