Advancing the MEDiC mentoring program through international exchange

On June 11 and 12, 2026, Dr. Julia Steinhardt, Coordinator for Clinical Training and Mentoring in the Model Degree Program in Human Medicine, participated in the EUMENT-NET Expert Exchange at the University of Luxembourg. The event, organized by the European Network of Mentoring Programs (EUMENT-NET), brought together experts from various European universities to discuss current developments and strategies in mentoring, equal opportunities, and institutional change processes.

The event focused on using mentoring as a strategic tool to promote diversity, equal opportunities, and academic excellence beyond individual career advancement. In addition to expert presentations, workshops and open-space sessions provided an opportunity to share best practices. Topics discussed included criteria for inclusive mentoring programs, methods of evaluating their effectiveness, and the importance of European networks, such as EUMENT-NET, in facilitating knowledge transfer between universities. The importance of communities of practice and the involvement of various stakeholders in equity processes was also highlighted as a key success factor.

Dr. Julia Steinhardt reports: "Participating in the EUMENT-NET Expert Exchange was an inspiring and enriching experience. Exchanging ideas with international colleagues opened my eyes to new perspectives and underscored the importance of a strong mentoring network. It was particularly striking to realize that mentoring extends well beyond individual support and is essential for achieving long-term gender equality and diversity in medicine and science. I will use the insights I gained to further develop the  MEDiC Mentoring Program's mentoring structures and align them more closely with European standards and networks. Additionally, I established valuable contacts that will be important for future mentoring and gender equality collaborations."

The mentoring program is a central component of the model degree program. This innovative concept promotes students’ development of individual competencies, as well as career entry and advancement opportunities in clinical and scientific fields, by facilitating the informal transfer of experience and knowledge. The program was launched to support students early in their personal and professional development. It provides a platform for interaction between experienced mentors and mentees, bridging the gap between theory and practice. As an active member of the Federal Association for Mentoring in Science and EUMENT-NET, the MEDiC Mentoring Program participates in professional exchanges and collaborations with other universities and research institutions. International exchange plays a central role in this. "EUMENT-NET provides valuable insights from other countries and institutions, enriching the development of mentoring structures," adds Dr. Steinhardt.