Whatever the focus or bonding interest within an affinity group, the focus of group meetings and workshops during the first year is primarily on adapting to the challenges of medical school. Faculty advisors meet as often as monthly with their student groups. Each meeting is a discussion forum. In addition to facilitating group meetings, faculty advisors are available to meet with individuals from their groups for confidential counsel and advice. Advisors may meet at intervals during the academic year to share their experiences in order to improve their expertise in and comfort as advisors and mentors.
Advisors receive information and other resources to support their function.
Halfway through a group's second year, a clinical faculty member who shares the group's affinity interest may be added. The clinical advisor may work with the group and with its individual students to assist with planning for the third year. The focus of group meetings shifts in the second year towards career. There is a general educational pathway and multiple discipline-defined educational pathways. Pathway advisors assist students in planning educational programs for the final year.