The impact of student-authored Scientist Spotlights was investigated within the context of a service-learning course engaging students in STEM curricular reform efforts. Student-authored Scientists Spotlights significantly shifted peers’ perceptions of scientists across all demographic groups, as well as student authors’ own relatability to and stereotypes about scientists.

Medical students often have difficulty selecting a residency training program. The internal medicine clerkship rotation occurs primarily on the general internal medicine ward, making it difficult for students to experience the breadth of IM subspecialties prior to making career decisions. Herein, we describe a two-week student-led program (IMED: Internal Medicine Enrichment and Development) designed to give interested pre-clerkship students an overview of the internal medicine subspecialties in order to broaden their understanding of the opportunities within the field. We believe that medical students across the country would benefit from such exposure in order to make more informed decisions about residency.

Implication Statement An Internal Medicine (IM) specific, near-peer mentorship program was initiated at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) in 2017. Medical students were paired with IM resident mentors in an effort to improve career decision-making. Additionally, residents had the opportunity to formally teach mentees various high-yield IM topics. Program evaluation was completed using data from three participant cohorts, and showed that the program had a positive impact on students’ career decision making. Given the program’s flexible nature and ease of implementation, it is well suited for adaptation at other institutions.

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