Structured interviews were conducted with 16 second-year residents from various advanced training programs at Mayo Clinic sites. We analyzed resulting transcripts using general inductive thematic analysis from an epistemological constructivist perspective. We identified key themes that included: lack of sense of belonging, desire for interaction with the advanced program, and positive influence of peer mentorship. Using these themes, we crafted a Prelim Peer Mentorship Program for Neurology Interns, consisting of at least one semi-structured meeting with a senior resident using Flourishing-Focused Advising as a backbone for conversation. We administered a survey to the prior intern class and then to the intern class who received the intervention, using a Likert scale to assess sense of belonging in: preliminary internal medicine program, advanced neurology residency program, institution, and surrounding community.

In the intervention group, all responding participants described a strong sense of belonging within the neurology residency program, with 4/9 selecting “very strong” and 5/9 selecting “somewhat strong”. This is an increase from the pre-intervention class where 2/9 selected “very strong”, 5/9 selected “somewhat strong”, and 2/9 selected “somewhat weak”.

Preliminary program interns report a lack of sense of belonging during their intern year, a desire for advanced program interaction, and positive influence of peer mentorship. A peer mentorship program for preliminary interns can be implemented to improve the sense of belonging in the advanced neurology residency program during the preliminary internal medicine year.