An innovative, evidence based, longitudinal collaborative peer/faculty mentorship program for International Medical Graduate residents of the U of T Department of Medicine (DoM) was started in July 2012. This program, developed by Dr. Najeeb, addresses an unmet need related to the success and wellness of a large number of trainees from diverse backgrounds. The content and the format of the program is developed based on an earlier needs assessment study. The first session of the mentorship program is always a program specific orientation session. The collaborative model of this network of faculty-peers who share similar experiences and backgrounds, provides mentees with validation and practical tools for academic and clinical growth. The mentors found the act of ‘giving back’ very rewarding. Participation is not mandatory, yet 146 IMG residents (2012 - todate) have attended these sessions during their personal time and continue to participate as peer-mentors after their first postgraduate year. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from IMG residents led the Internationally Funded Trainees (IFTs) to request inclusion in the mentorship program, and they officially joined in 2017. The IMG mentorship program has served as the foundation upon which subsequent initiatives like the CaRMS Equity Working Group and the Black and Indigenous Resident and Mentorship Program were developed.
