Pathways to Success at the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) is a dynamic co-curricular program designed to support students throughout medical school and into residency. By providing structured guidance in academics, teamwork, well-being, professional identity formation, specialty selection and residency matching, this program helps students thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Through academic support, personalized advising, career exploration and mentorship from peers and faculty, Pathways to Success ensures a successful transition from medical student to physician. Key initiatives include Advising PODs, Success Coaches, the Academic Success Program, Peer Tutoring, CAREERS, Town Halls and the Professional Identity Formation Curriculum. Whether you need help mastering coursework, refining study strategies, exploring specialties or preparing residency applications, Pathways to Success is here to guide you every step of the way.
Advising PODs
Advising PODs provide small-group and individual guidance to support students through Phase I of the LEARN curriculum while fostering a strong sense of community. They provide academic and early career advising, promote mental and physical well-being, encourage a healthy work-life balance and facilitate professional identity formation. Through small-group meetings, one-on-one advising, peer mentorship and community-building activities, Advising PODs connect medical students with faculty and peer advisors to enhance their educational experience. Plus, there’s free lunch!
Success Coaches/Learning Specialists
RSOM Success Coaches provide personalized support, helping students navigate the academic challenges of medical school, offering expert guidance on study strategies, time management, goal setting and overall well-being. Success coaches work proactively to identify potential roadblocks, offering tailored solutions and connecting students with essential resources to maximize their success.
Academic Success Program (ASP)
The Academic Success Program enhances students’ academic performance and ensures readiness for Phase II clerkships, NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams (Shelf Exams) and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. As an early alert system, ASP identifies students at risk of underperforming on critical exams and provides a structured, supportive environment. Through targeted resources and personalized guidance, ASP equips students with the skills and confidence to excel while minimizing academic risk.
Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring is available for Phase I courses and led by fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated excellence in the subjects they teach. Tutors participate in the Teaching in Medicine Preceptorship, a fourth-year elective that prepares them for their mentoring roles. Through one-on-one and small-group sessions, peer tutors provide focused academic support, helping students strengthen their understanding and mastery of course material.
CAREERS
The CAREERS program helps students explore, evaluate, select and apply to medical specialties and residencies. With a range of curricular and co-curricular programs, events and resources, CAREERS provides comprehensive guidance at every stage of the process. Key offerings include:
- CAREERS Events
- CAREERS Tab on CBase
- Specialty Advising Guides & Advisors
- UGME Deans’ Open Office Hours
- MSPE Dean’s Meetings
- AAMC Careers in Medicine & AMA Road to Residency
- TGIF (Timely General Information on Friday)
- Student Opps
CAREERS ensures students have the knowledge, mentorship and strategic planning necessary for a successful transition into residency.
CAREERS Tab on CBase
The CAREERS Tab on CBase is your all-in-one destination for navigating the exciting and often complex journey of choosing a medical specialty and applying to residencies. This comprehensive platform offers a wide range of resources to guide and support you as you progress toward residency, including:
- CAREERS News and Opportunities: Stay updated with the latest scholarships, sub-internships, electives, research and conference opportunities.
- CAREERS Events and Class Town Halls: Access event calendars, slides and video recordings from class-specific CAREERS events and town halls.
- CAREERS Specialty Advisors & Guides: Connect with specialty advisors and residency program directors and utilize specialty advising guides to inform your decisions.
- CAREERS Resources & Links: Explore a wealth of information on policies, electives, specialty exploration, residency applications, interviews and the NRMP Match process.
Additionally, take advantage of key tools like the AAMC Careers in Medicine, AMA FRIEDA and more, to explore specialties and better prepare for the residency application process, including crafting personal statements and navigating interviews.
Town Halls
Town Hall meetings provide an open forum where students can voice concerns, ask questions and engage in dialogue with the UGME Dean’s Office on important issues related to students’ medical school experiences. Topics include curriculum updates, clinical rotations, student well-being, career planning and policy changes.
Held four times per academic year per class, Town Halls feature:
- You Are Here! (Where you started, where you are, and where you are going.)
- CAREERS News
- Student Q&A
- Dean’s Office Announcements & Updates
Professional Identity Formation (PIF)
The Renaissance School of Medicine is a leader in Professional Identity Formation (PIF), equipping students with the skills to practice medicine with both humanistic and scientific excellence. Honored with the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Professionalism Award, the RSOM weaves PIF throughout medical training—from the White Coat Ceremony at the beginning of medical school to the Hippocratic Oath at convocation.
Through curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular experiences, students continuously shape their professional identity. The RSOM’s evidence-based PIF curriculum fosters resilience, well-being and a strong sense of belonging—critical components in combating physician burnout and sustaining a fulfilling career in medicine.
