Cura Personalis Advising
Cura personalis is a Latin phrase translating to "care for the whole person." Rooted in Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuit educational tradition, it emphasizes individualized attention to a person's unique needs, recognizing that the mind, body, and spirit are equally deserving of care, respect, and development.
Cura Personalis (CP) Advising Program begins when you enter the Stritch School of Medicine and continues throughout your medical school journey. Your CP advisor also serves as your PCM-1 small-group faculty mentor. Through weekly interactions, you will build a supportive relationship with a faculty member who gets to know you personally and can provide guidance to help you succeed in medical school and achieve your professional goals. The CP Advising Program includes at least one individual meeting each semester, along with periodic online check-ins throughout the academic year. Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed to provide further support and mentorship.
Working With Your Advisor: What to Expect Each Year
M1
Your advisor serves as your PCM 1 small-group facilitator, giving you the opportunity to build relationships through both individual and group interactions. During your first year, you can expect your advisor to:
- Review your grades with you and create a comfortable space to discuss any academic support needs
- Invite you to reflect on your needs and interests through reflection papers, online check-ins, and conversations
- Encourage you to plan for the summer, whether through research or career-related experiences
- Connect you with resources such as ACE, the Wellness Center, and the Office of Student Affairs if you are facing challenges
- Help you begin planning and preparing for Step 1
- Talk with you about the realities and rewards of a career in medicine, including the social responsibilities physicians carry
- Begin exploring your interests in medical specialties
M2
Your advisor will meet with you at least once per semester, as built into the academic calendar. You are also encouraged to reach out individually whenever additional support is needed. During scheduled advising meetings, you can expect to:
- Review your academic progress
- Reflect on your evolving needs and interests
- Receive encouragement and referrals related to Step 1 preparation
- Get guidance on selecting your clinical clerkship tracks
- Continue exploring your specialty interests and how to strengthen your candidacy in your area of interest
If your advisor identified that you were struggling during M1, you can expect them to check in with you to see how your second year is going.
M3
Your advisor reconnects with you as a PCM 3 small group facilitator, bringing together students from your M1 group to share clinical experiences and reflect on your professional growth and career goals. During your third year, your advisor can help you:
- Identify meaningful clinical encounters to draw on for residency application materials
- Navigate questions about letters of recommendation
- Connect with career advisors in your specialty of interest
- Begin selecting residency programs to apply to and understanding the nuances of your specialty's application process
- Develop a concurrent plan if needed
- Choose electives and begin planning for interview season
M4
There is no structured advising contact during your fourth year, but your advisor remains available as needed. You can reach out to your advisor for support with:
- Residency interview preparation
- Preparing for Match Day and the SOAP process
- Navigating the transition from medical school to residency
Schedule an Online Check-in
Through periodic online check-ins, students are encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional growth, celebrate successes, identify challenges, and engage in thoughtful conversations with their faculty advisor. These reflections help foster strong advising relationships, support student well-being, and promote professional identity formation throughout the medical school journey.