WELEAP FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS
Strategic Training for Future Healthcare Professionals
WeLLNESS
LEADERSHIP
ETHICS
APPLIED ECONOMICS
PROFESSIONALISM
WeLEAP Stands for Wellness, Leadership, Ethics, Applied Economics, and Professionalism.
WeLEAP is a joint program hosted at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Long School of Medicine. It is a free monthly program, provided by The Patient Institute, to enhance the training of future physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Becoming a physician is more than mastering medical knowledge—it requires guidance, resilience, and support from those who understand the challenges and rewards of the profession. That’s where The Patient Institute makes a difference.
Our organization offers two unique mentorship programs:
- Premedical students are matched with medical students to gain insight, advice, and encouragement as they navigate the path to medical school.
- Medical students are paired with practicing physicians to receive guidance on building sustainable habits, developing professional skills, and preparing for fulfilling careers in medicine.
Through these mentorship programs, we create meaningful, one-on-one connections that help shape the next generation of compassionate, resilient, and community-focused physicians.
Why Join Our Mentorship Programs?
By volunteering as a mentor or participating as a mentee, you can:
- Shape the future of medicine by guiding aspiring physicians.
- Encourage growth through shared experiences, advice, and encouragement.
- Strengthen our local healthcare community by supporting future healthcare leaders.
What We Offer:
- Personalized mentorship pairings for premedical and medical students.
- Opportunities for mentors to share their expertise and inspire future colleagues.
- A supportive network dedicated to fostering success beyond the classroom and clinic.
Premedical Students (WeLEAP 2.0)
Current Programs
Pre-Med Library
Pre-Med Library
Mentorship
Mentorship
WeLEAP Sessions
WeLEAP Sessions
In collaboration with the Long School of Medicine and the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine, WeLEAP connects medical students with pre-medical students across San Antonio. Through one-on-one mentorship, panels, and professional development events, participants build supportive relationships and gain practical insights into the journey toward medicine.
Our program is designed to make mentorship impactful, accessible, and fun. Creating a network of students who learn from one another while growing as professionals.
Find out more about our Current Programs by clicking the links above. Programs are free for students.
Please fill out the following to contact us about the Pre-Med Library, future sessions, or about becoming a mentor or mentee:
Medical Students (WeLEAP 3.0)
Documents
Mentee Policies and Procedures
Mentee Policies and Procedures
WELEAP Mentor Agreement Form
WELEAP Mentor Agreement Form
The Patient Institute Mentorship Program Handbook
The Patient Institute Mentorship Program Handbook
The Mentorship Program is designed to support medical students in their journey through medical education and professional development. Our goal is to help students develop essential skills, provide guidance, and foster a supportive network.
Contact us to learn more about becoming a mentor or mentee:
The Mentorship Program is designed to support medical students in their journey through medical education and professional development. Our goal is to help students develop essential skills, provide guidance, and foster a supportive network.
Contact us to learn more about becoming a mentor or mentee:
Documents
Mentee Policies and Procedures
Mentee Policies and Procedures
WELEAP Mentor Agreement Form
WELEAP Mentor Agreement Form
The Patient Institute Mentorship Program Handbook
The Patient Institute Mentorship Program Handbook
The Patient Institute Physician in Training Leadership and Professionalism Award
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”
– Hippocrates
Since its founding more than a decade ago, The Patient Institute’s mission has been to educate and empower patients and caregivers to more effectively navigate the healthcare system.
The Patient Institute recognizes student doctors/medical students as current and future caregivers to patients. In order to encourage and recognize the best professional behavior in student doctors/medical students as a foundation for future performance, the Board of Directors of the Patient Institute has authorized the creation of the first annual Patient Institute Leadership and Professionalism Award.
These awards are to be awarded to no more than 20% of the graduating class based on criteria established by the medical school and approved by the PI Board through its designee, the current PI Chair. This award does not require an application. The medical school or graduate medical education institution will nominate and select the awardees via a peer-review process. Eligible awardees will be selected from the graduating medical school, residency, and fellowship classes.