Beyond the Program

The Stanford-HBMC Summer Research Program was first seeded within Presence in 2017, under the leadership of Abraham Verghese, MD, and Sonoo Thadaney Israni. Since then, it has grown into a powerful collaboration across Stanford Medicine, welcoming rising second-year medical students from all four of the nation’s Historically Black Medical Colleges (HBMCs). Today, the program benefits from the leadership and support of SoM wide Chairs, Institute Leaders, the Dean's Office and Dr. Reena Thomas, Dr. Terrance Mayes, Aria Small, Allison Salinas, Pedram Fatehi, Payam Massaband, Magali Fassioto and Sonoo Thadaney Israni. The HBMC faculty of all four schools help design, evolve and support the program, too

At the heart of the program lies mentorship — and with it, the transformative potential of authentic human connection. Recently, we invited our 2025 cohort to reflect on the question:

“What do you wish your mentor or mentee knew?”

The responses, submitted anonymously, formed a moving tapestry of insights, vulnerability, and aspirations. Together, they reveal not just the mechanics of mentorship, but its soul.

1. Depth of Emotion and Vulnerability: Many mentees expressed a heartfelt desire for their mentors to understand their personal experiences and emotions. Some spoke of admiration and even love for their mentors — a reminder that mentorship can be as emotionally resonant as it is professionally valuable. This openness invites thoughtful conversations about vulnerability, boundaries, and trust.
   
   
2. Desire for Structure and Guidance: Mentees emphasized the importance of clearly defined roles, expectations, and project goals. A structured plan, regular check-ins, and transparent communication were all cited as essential ingredients for a productive and fulfilling mentorship experience.
   


3. Long-Term Connections: A recurring theme was the wish for mentorship to extend beyond the summer. Mentees hoped their mentors would see the value of long-term connection and continue to offer guidance as they advance through medical school and beyond.
   


4.  Mutual Growth and Learning: Mentees didn’t just want to receive knowledge — they wanted to grow alongside their mentors. They viewed the experience as a two-way exchange and hoped their mentors recognized the lasting impact of their support.
   


5. Cultural Adjustments and Personal Experiences: Some students candidly shared their challenges adapting to new academic, social, and cultural environments. These reflections underscore the importance of cultural humility and sensitivity — recognizing that each mentee brings a distinct personal journey.

1. Balance of Responsibilities: Mentors shared the real pressures of balancing mentorship with the demands of their professional and personal lives. This honesty invites empathy from mentees and strengthens mutual respect for the time and energy mentorship required.
   


2. Encouragement of Curiosity: Mentors wished for mentees to embrace their curiosity, reminding them that no question is too trivial and that they are supported in their learning journeys. This fosters a safe space to acknowledge the challenges posed by learning and growth.
   


3. Intentional Goal Setting: Mentors encouraged mentees to approach the mentorship experience with intentionality. They highlighted the need for mentees to clearly define their goals to maximize the potential of their time together.
   
   
4. Promoting Self-Advocacy and Resourcefulness:  Mentors expressed a desire for their mentees to be proactive in seeking resources and support, reinforcing the importance of self-initiative in the learning process.

1. Creating Safe, Supportive Spaces
Across all responses, a shared aspiration emerged: the desire to feel seen, heard, and safe. Empathy, active listening, and mutual respect formed the foundation of these mentoring relationships. This psychological safety is not just a “nice-to-have” — it’s essential for learning and connection.

2. Embracing Feedback as Growth
Both mentors and mentees recognized the role of feedback in building trust and growth. Mentees appreciated constructive feedback delivered with care, while mentors valued openness and receptiveness. The concept of “connection before correction” resonated as a guiding principle.

3. Acknowledging the Joys — and the Jitters
Many reflections spoke to moments of joy: unexpected bonds, uplifting conversations, and shared discoveries. At the same time, participants were honest about their anxieties — about fitting in, performing well, and balancing ambition with self-care. These dualities are a powerful reminder that mentorship is as much about emotional growth as it is about professional development.

The insights gathered from this year’s HBMC cohort underscore what we often know but don’t always name: that meaningful mentorship is grounded in empathy, mutual growth, and the courage to be vulnerable. Whether mentor or mentee, each participant carries the potential to shape the other’s trajectory in lasting ways.

As this program continues to evolve, let us remember that mentorship isn’t defined by hierarchy, status, or duration — but by connection. And it is through that connection that we grow.