Student Development provides opportunities for current medical students to enhance their learning through several free learning resources led by Peer Learning Mentors (PLMs). Our Mentors have both a thorough comprehension of the material and the ability to facilitate learning. These learning resources are available for all blocks and courses, and provide students access to high-yield study materials, practice for USMLE style questions, special exam reviews, and Step 1 & 2 active learning workshops.
The Learning Lounge (HSEB A503) is available for any and all medical school topics and academic blocks. Do you need a practice partner for doctoring? Do you want some advice on how to get into the content for clinical anatomy? Are you not sure where to start with microbiology? Do you learn well by explaining to others and then getting feedback on your explanation? We can help you with all of those things, plus anything else that would help you understand the content more deeply. Bring your muddiest points list (most confusing or least clear topics for you) and utilize this as a great opportunity for social learning.
The Learning Lounge is typically open M-TH from 3:00-6:00 PM.
Can't make it to campus? Check for email reminders from our Lead regarding Zoom options for the Learning Lounge.
Looking to connect with a Peer Learning Mentor now? Check out our link for appointment services.
https://trac.phoenixmed.arizona.edu/
One-on one-appointments with a Peer Learning Mentor are also available for students!
Need an appointment? Students may click on the following link to schedule through Trac. Log in using your university username and password (NetID).
Learning is better together!
Our Peer Learning Mentors offer regularly scheduled group review sessions called Supplemental Instruction (SI). During SI sessions, our medical students engage in activities that reinforce content understanding through practice and application with other students. Research suggests that attending one hour of SI is roughly the equivalent of studying 2.5 hours alone. National data demonstrate that regular attendance in SI improves a student’s final course grade. Our Team Leads will send out e-mail notifications of upcoming sessions.
- "Anyone can benefit!"
- "Review sessions are super helpful before tests."
- "I loved using the morning review sessions as a preview for the class that day."
- "I am finally not just relying on my memory. Working through practice problems helped me demonstrate what I know."
- "I was initially pretty resistant to the idea of meeting with someone for Step 1 because I thought that seeking help meant that I wasn't doing something right or that I was inadequate in some capacity, but after a couple of sessions, I quickly realized how flawed that mindset was. I began to realize that what I learned and gained from my experience working with them was not something I could have achieved on my own, regardless of the amount of time and work I put in individually.
- My 1-on-1 sessions really shed light on how performing well on Step 1 is not only about content but also about strategy, and meetings helped me learn how to approach questions effectively and think more like a doctor.
Join our Team
Are you interested in joining our team? Read on! Our Peer Learning Mentor positions are only for current College of Medicine - Phoenix medical students.
Complete our online application form (CLOSED AT THIS TIME) >>
- A sense of pride and accomplishment from supporting others in their learning
- Increased mastery of content skills (great for Step 1 readiness)
- Development of leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent opportunity for professional development and learning facilitation experience
- Paid position and paid training (beginning at $17.00/hour)
- Recommended block trending of 80%
- Level 2 or better in all behavioral competency areas
- Knowledge of basic academic skills and ability to demonstrate the successful application of these skills
- Ability to work independently applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Past tutoring, Supplemental Instruction leading, or teaching experience is preferred, but not required.