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Cultivating Connection: The Impact of MIKE Program at Western University of Health Sciences

As the academic calendar commences each year, students at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) in Oregon eagerly seize the chance to engage with their community. The MIKE Program, a volunteering initiative led by students from the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Health Sciences-Northwest, has become a vital platform for fostering mentorship and connection.

The MIKE Program: A Vital Community Resource

The MIKE Program, which stands for Mentors in Integrated Knowledge and Education, began as a non-profit initiative aimed at educating and guiding youth to lead healthier lives and build robust communities. By establishing partnerships with local schools, MIKE enhances health knowledge and literacy while exposing students to various career options in the healthcare field. Originating in the Portland area, it has expanded its reach, now impacting urban and rural communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

In 2020, following a request from the Sweet Home community, MIKE commenced a peer-to-peer mentoring program that connects high school students with medical students. This partnership serves as a pilot initiative for rural areas, bridging gaps in resources and education for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Hands-On Learning and Community Engagement

One of the defining aspects of the MIKE Program is the emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. Di Lacey, DHSc, WesternU's Senior Executive of Strategy, Growth, and Transformation, highlights the program’s unique approach, stating, “One of our key innovations was having medical students work directly with the MIKE team and high school students to develop leadership skills in community health and youth mentorship.” This hands-on experience empowers future healthcare advocates to thrive in real-world settings.

The MIKE curriculum aligns with the Oregon Department of Education Health Standards while being adaptable to meet community needs. Topics covered include nutrition, exercise, mental health, and social determinants of health, ensuring relevance and practicality. Additionally, the program collaborates with local educators to offer insights into the community, enhancing the learning experience for both mentors and students.

Building Lasting Relationships

At the heart of the MIKE Program are the relationships fostered between mentors and mentees. Second-year physical therapy student Haven Wagner emphasizes a favorite activity that encourages empathy by simulating physical impairments during lessons. “It creates a better understanding of the challenges faced by patients,” Wagner explains. By sharing their educational journeys, mentors demonstrate authenticity and vulnerability, paving the way for genuine connections with students.

Erin Foley, a second-year WesternU student and mentor, reflects on her commitment to the MIKE Program, noting how it allows her to share knowledge and bridge gaps in healthcare education. “You don’t know what position a student is coming from; you can be that role model for them,” she affirms. This deep-rooted sense of community highlights the mutual benefits of mentorship beyond academic learning.

The Mentorship Experience: More Than Academic Achievement

Engaging with the MIKE Program also helps mentors reconnect with their initial motivations for pursuing medicine. Foley shares, “It brings you down to earth and reminds you why you decided to go into medicine.” This engagement fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the importance of community in a fast-paced educational environment.

As Justin Zellinger, MIKE's Executive Director, articulates, encouraging mentors to share their personal stories adds depth to their interactions, enhancing the learning environment. “We ask our mentors to bring their whole self into the program,” he notes, highlighting that authenticity fosters connections that resonate beyond the classroom.

Conclusion: Supporting the MIKE Program

In response to community challenges and the call for care, the MIKE Program stands out as an exemplary model of mentorship in healthcare. Students interested in supporting the MIKE initiative or learning more about engagement can visit www.mikeprogram.org. Together, they build a future where health literacy and community resilience flourish, reflecting a commitment to the health and well-being of all.

For more insights about Western University of Health Sciences, visit www.westernu.edu.