Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine

Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine is an umbrella pathway program that engages students from underrepresented groups, to include racial/ethnic minorities, rural and/or first-generation college students, as well as other students interested in further diversifying the physician workforce in a mentoring process (academic and professional) which will prepare them for a future career in health care. The 'A Gentleman and A Scholar' and 'A  Lady and A Scholar' mentoring program consist of a series of monthly large group sessions and individual one-on-one sessions with a minority student mentor. 

Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine (SM3) applications are now closed. Check back for more information on when applications will open for Fall 2024.

A Gentleman & A Scholar Mentoring Program

Founding Members
Drs. Vandy Gaffney II, Cerrone Cohen, Andres Ayuso, Brandon Williams,
Larry Shuler, Michael Smith, and Hubert Roland White, III

In 2006, the Medical University of South Carolina surpassed the national average by admitting ten African-American males into its incoming medical school class. Seeking an opportunity to give back to their community, ten (10) MUSC African-American male medical students founded "A Gentleman and A Scholar Mentoring Program" in 2007. The program, now an entity of Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine (SM3), targeted African-American male high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The program has expanded to include all under-represented (African-American, Hispanic, and Native-American) groups.

Each student participant is assigned to a student mentor who advises their respective student on scholarly success and leadership. Participants meet monthly at the Medical University of South Carolina as a group and individually with their mentors throughout the academic year.

The mentoring program in a collaborative effort with “A Lady and A Scholar Mentoring Program, aims to provide mentoring through various endeavors such as clinical shadowing experiences, educational discussions, test taking and study skills, exposure to various summer science programs, and academic guidance.

A Lady & A Scholar Mentoring Program

Crystal Johnson, M.D.
College of Medicine Class of 2012

In 2010, Dr. Crystal Johnson, College of Medicine Class of 2012 graduate, became the first female mentor for the "A Gentleman and A Scholar Mentoring Program," mentoring the program's first female inductee. Officially founded in 2011, "A Lady and A Scholar Mentoring Program" , now an entity of Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine (SM3), serves to provide female under-represented in high school and college students with opportunities that will both enlighten and broaden their knowledge base regarding the field of medicine.

Each student participant is assigned to a student mentor who advises their respective student on scholarly success and leadership. Participants meet monthly at the Medical University of South Carolina as a group and individually with their mentors throughout the academic year.

The mentoring program, in a collaborative effort with "A Gentlemen and A Scholar," aims to provide mentorship through such opportunities as educational discussions, test taking and study skills sessions, clinical shadowing experiences, exposure to various. summer science programs, and academic guidance.