Program Overview

Harpur Healthcare Mentoring Program

Program Overview

The Harpur Healthcare Mentoring Program is designed to provide Sophomore, Junior, and Senior pre-health students with the opportunity to experience the realities of medicine by matching them with Harpur Alumni Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, Optometrists, and Physician Assistants for a 4- or 8-week shadowing experience. The program consists of three sessions throughout the year: fall semester, spring semester, and during summer break. Shadowing opportunities during fall and spring will be located in and around the Binghamton area, while opportunities during the summer break will be located in or near the New York Metro area as well as the surrounding Binghamton area.

Information for Students

• What to expect: Students participating in the program during the fall or spring semester will meet with their mentors a minimum of 4 times for at least one half day per visit. Those participating over summer break will meet with their mentors a minimum of 8 times for at least one half day per visit.
• Program Structure: The program is structured to ensure success by providing flexibility to meet the needs of each mentor/mentee. Student participants are required to attend an orientation prior to beginning their experience to review expectations of the program. Each mentor/mentee will then work together to establish goals and plan logistics for their shadowing experience.
• Meetings and Activities: Meetings are held at the mentor's office and/or affiliated hospital. Students observe all the 'typical' daily activities including patient exams, surgeries, paperwork, phone calls, meetings, etc. Mentors may also arrange for students to shadow fellow practitioners in other specialties to broaden the student's experience.
• Requirements: Students are required to journal reflections about their experiences. Students must submit their journal and complete a program evaluation at the conclusion of the experience. Students will receive a copy of "Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on Imperfect Science" by Atul Gawande to read/review/discuss during their experience.
• Recognition: Participation in this program is also noted by Dr. W. Thomas Langhorne, Director of Pre-Health Services, on the student's medical school evaluation.

Prerequisites

• Must be a full-time Harpur College pre-health Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Must be in good academic and judicial standing at Binghamton University

Application Process

• Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Requirements:
  • Submit the application form
  • Submit a resume
  • Complete a student recommendation form
  • Complete the Student Conduct Request Form giving Harpur Edge permission to review their behavioral background
• Notification: Students will be notified of their placements on March 6, 2026
• Additional Information:
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation
  • Students will not receive academic credit or pay for participation in the program
  • Financial support may be available for participation; students must indicate this on their application and upload an itemized list of how they intend to use the support
  • Students who have previously been convicted of a felony may be advised about potential implications for their participation and are encouraged to contact the dean's office of their intended academic program for additional information.