Program Overview
The Larry Keith Advisory Colleges Program, named in honor of Larry Keith, provides a personalized system of academic advising and career development. Each medical student is assigned to one of seven colleges, creating small, diverse communities of students across all four years of medical school. These communities are guided by dedicated faculty College Advisors and supported by peer-selected student advocates, fostering connections within and across cohorts.
College Advisors are carefully chosen for their ability to mentor students across all specialties, offering specialty-neutral advice to help students explore career options objectively. The program emphasizes relationships free from conflicts to ensuring open and honest communication.
The Purpose and Goals of the Program
The Larry Keith Advisory College Program is designed to:
- Mentor and guide students through personal and professional development.
- Facilitate connections among students, faculty, and peers to build a strong community.
- Support career exploration and decision-making through informed, specialty-neutral advising.
- Provide personalized academic guidance through every phase of medical education.
- Encourage well-being and work-life balance throughout the medical school experience.
What College Advisors Provide
College Advisors play multiple roles throughout a student’s journey at the UNC School of Medicine:
- Advising: Personalized one-on-one meetings to discuss milestones, review academic progress, and celebrate achievements.
- Advocacy: Acting as a student’s advocate when challenges arise, ensuring they feel supported.
- Community: Creating a welcoming environment where students can connect with peers and take breaks from the demands of medical school.
- Counseling: Offering academic and personal counseling and directing students to available resources.
- Guidance: Supporting students with life challenges, career exploration, and addressing mistreatment in clinical settings.
- Mentorship: Providing long-term mentorship from the first day of medical school to graduation.
- Support: Offering emotional and academic encouragement throughout the journey.
- Well-being: Promoting wellness and balance to help students thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
A Longitudinal Relationship: Matriculation to Graduation
From the moment students enter the UNC School of Medicine until their graduation, they benefit from an ongoing partnership with their College Advisors. The goal is to guide students academically, professionally, and personally, helping them navigate each milestone of medical education.
Key Touchpoints with College Advisors
Students meet with their College Advisors during required one-on-one meetings, lunchtime workshops, and social events. Regular touchpoints ensure that students receive continuous support throughout each phase of their education.
Advisory Colleges vs. Career Goal Advisors
While College Advisors provide broad, non-specialty-specific guidance, students also work with career goal advisors during the later years of medical school. Career goal advisors offer detailed, specialty-specific support, helping students refine their career choices and prepare for residency applications. Together, these two advisory roles ensure that students receive well-rounded support tailored to both personal development and career planning.