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��������’s Glendale Campus welcomed 27 undergraduate students from across the Phoenix Valley on April 21, 2026 for the annual spring Mentors in Medicine & Science (MIMS) event. 

This event gave undergraduate students the chance to learn and practice clinical skills in ��������’s Clinical Skills and Simulation Center, where they practiced mock patient exams, intubation, vital signs, and emergency scenarios with high-fidelity simulators. 

The Mentors in Medicine & Science program pairs undergraduate students with �������� students to provide mentorship as they prepare to begin their studies in healthcare. The program runs the entire school year, with multiple opportunities for undergraduates to connect with and learn from their mentors. 

Among the mentors at the event was Nadene Abdalla (CMDA ’29). Nadene began participating in MIMS as an undergrad at Arizona State University (ASU) and was paired with a mentor who was in her first year of dental school at the time.   

“From the beginning, my mentor was incredibly supportive. She helped me understand what dental school was like – everything from the workload and requirements to the culture, people, and what life as a dental student looks like day to day,” Nadene said.

MIMS helped Nadene connect with other students and faculty as she prepared to apply to dental school. From study tips for the Dental Admissions Test to guidance in the application process, the advice from these mentors made Nadene’s path to healthcare education less overwhelming. 

“Coming into the program, dental school felt intimidating and far away, but MIMS created an environment where I could ask questions and learn from mentors,” Nadene recalled. “It helped me build confidence in myself and remind me that people genuinely want to help students succeed.

“These events showed me the type of supportive community �������� provides,” she continued. “Seeing students who were willing to take time to mentor and encourage others inspired me to apply because I could see myself becoming part of that environment.”

Erin Raney, Pharm.D., BCPS, Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the College of Pharmacy, Glendale at �������� and a faculty advisor for MIMS, commented on the ways she’s seen the mentors foster a supportive environment. “I am always impressed at the enthusiasm and passion the mentors display to represent their respective healthcare professions and assist undergraduate students in their pursuits. They are dedicated to their very rigorous programs and take extra time on top of their studies to give back through this program,” Dr. Raney said. 

In addition to providing in-person or virtual check-ins covering a variety of healthcare education topics, Dr. Raney says the mentors are also “generous in their offers to invite mentees to join them during campus activities, such as lectures and workshops. This contributes to an environment of personalized support and growth.”

Nadene reflected, “What meant the most to me was that the connection with my �������� mentor didn’t end after the school year. We stayed in contact and continued supporting and updating each other on our journeys.”

Now, just a few years later, Nadene is a mentor to a prospective dental student from ASU. “My mentor inspired me to become a mentor myself,” she said. “I experienced firsthand the impact one person can have on someone’s confidence and future. The guidance and support she gave me played a huge role in achieving my goal of going to dental school. Because of that, I wanted to do the same for other students.”

Nadene enjoys meeting students from different backgrounds and seeing the excitement they have for dentistry and healthcare. “The most rewarding part of being a mentor is supporting students during a time that can feel stressful and uncertain,” she shared. “I enjoy helping students realize that their goals are possible and sharing advice that can make the process feel less intimidating. It’s also rewarding to build genuine connections with students and watch them grow more confident in themselves over time.”

Dr. Raney encourages all �������� students to consider becoming mentors. “Think about the mentors you’ve had during your own journey and what an important role they played in your success. As a current student, you have an opportunity to pay that forward. No matter where you are in your path, you have important experiences you can share!”

Aside from the help it provides for future students, Nadene says that mentorship benefits the mentor as well by providing greater meaning and satisfaction. 

“Mentorship can truly change someone’s path; sometimes all it takes to succeed is one person to help, encourage, and believe in you,” Nadene said. “I’m grateful for the mentor I had and her impact on my journey. Being able to give back and support students in the same way has been one of the most meaningful parts of dental school so far.”
 

To get involved with Mentors in Medicine & Science, please visit: /community-media/MIMS-AZ