Peer Mentor Program

The 35+ peer mentor coordinators are nurses, exercise physiologists, outreach managers, social workers and other Michigan Medicine staff who believe in the power of peer mentoring. All 250+ peer mentors are patients who have gone through special training, signed our Code of Conduct, and completed other volunteer onboarding requirements. They are typically referred to the program by our physicians and staff.

The primary characteristics we look for in a peer mentor are listening skills, ability to empathize, proper distance from health care diagnosis, and willingness to share your story in support of others.

There is a growing body of evidence about the benefits of health care peer mentors that
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• Reduced hospitalization rates
• Increased medication and health care plan adherence,
• Increased ability to advocate for oneself as a full member of their health care
  team
• Improved clinical outcomes
• Increased emotional/social support

Some programs need only one peer mentor for that patient/caregiver population,
while others have more than 80 peer mentors.

The Office of Patient Experience provides information sessions to departments and clinics interested in starting a peer mentor program, as well as peer mentor coordinator training, support, and system-wide program management.