As a medical student who is very interested in a career in geriatrics, I can attest to how important a supportive and encouraging a mentor can be to a budding career. My mentor discussed a career in geriatrics with me during my first few months of medical school, and I have gone on to do research in geriatrics, develop a geriatric interest group at my school, and get involved at the national level. She has given me support and encouragement along the way and is currently advising me on options for residency.
Fellows have an equal opportunity to foster interest in geriatrics among students.
Perhaps the best way is through the student geriatrics group at your institution. Get involved in some of their activities, give suggestions for new activities, and match students with other fellows or faculty who can serve as mentors. A website dedicated to students is under development through the Center on Aging at the University of Kansas. The site will provide a link from the AGS website and will include information about how to start a student group. The impact of such mentoring could be enormous.