Class Ambassador Spotlight: Elliot J. Rayfield, MD ’67

A Leader Among Jefferson's Alumni Community  

We're delighted to spotlight Elliot J. Rayfield, MD '67, whose long-standing connection to Jefferson offers a meaningful lens into both the evolution of the Class Ambassador Program and the strength of our alumni community. This feature serves as both a program update and a "get to know you" moment — an opportunity to hear directly from him about the recent transition from "Class Agent" to "Class Ambassador," the experiences that continue to shape his involvement, and his hopes for the community moving forward.

To begin our conversation, we asked Dr. Rayfield to reflect on the decision to update the program's title and what the shift represents for the Class Ambassador community.

What inspired you to champion the transition from "Class Agent" to "Class Ambassador?"

"When people hear 'Class Agent,' they often think of an FBI or CIA agent, which couldn't be further from what this role truly is. Working in close partnership with Lorraine King, MD, RES '75, FEL '77, we felt that 'Class Ambassador' better captures the spirit of the position, someone who represents Jefferson with pride and helps share the many positive things happening within the institution."

How do you envision this name change strengthening alumni engagement or volunteerism?

"The change emphasizes that the role isn't administrative or strictly tied to fundraising. Instead, 'Class Ambassador' reflects a more inclusive identity, someone who represents their class, strengthens connections, and serves as a positive presence for the medical school."

A Lifelong Connection to Jefferson

What Continues to Inspire His Involvement

While the Class Ambassador Program continues to evolve, Dr. Rayfield's connection to Jefferson is rooted in something much deeper than titles or initiatives. His involvement spans decades, shaped by formative experiences as a student, the generosity he received during his training, and the pride he feels watching the institution grow. He shares the moments that continue to anchor him to the medical college today, as well as his hopes for how alumni, students, and future Ambassadors can strengthen the Jefferson community in the years ahead.

What aspects of the alumni community are you most excited to see grow or evolve in the coming year?

"I'm hoping to help advance an endowed stethoscope program for the White Coat Ceremony, so that every incoming medical student receives a stethoscope alongside their white coat. I would also love to see alumni and Class Ambassadors gain greater access to CME activities at discounted rates, and for retired alumni, at no cost. And most importantly, I want to see a Jefferson where every student with financial need has the support necessary to pursue their medical education."

"I'm also very excited about the Jefferson Distinguished Scholars & Mentors Initiative, launched by Dr. Lorraine King. It's designed to strengthen the educational experience for our medical students by connecting them with distinguished alumni, faculty, and Post Graduate Alumni (PGA) members through mentoring sessions, fireside chats, shadowing opportunities, and even research and preceptorship experiences. I'd love to see Class Ambassadors play a growing role in this work — helping support these mentorship opportunities, participating in informal conversations with students, and contributing to the sense of community the initiative is building."

Are there experiences from your time as a student or graduate that continue to influence how you stay involved today?

"When I was a senior, I received a scholarship that supported my fourth year of medical school, and that generosity has stayed with me ever since. It's a big part of why I've remained connected to Jefferson, I've always felt a responsibility to give back in the same spirit. Over the decades, I've watched the medical school transform, with new buildings, programs, and opportunities for students, and seeing that growth has only deepened my pride in staying involved."

What has been the most meaningful part of staying engaged with the medical college over the years?

"Participating in the White Coat Ceremony each year has been especially meaningful for me. This rite of passage for new medical students didn't exist when I was at Jefferson, and standing there to welcome them into the profession is always a moving experience."

Strengthening Alumni Engagement and Community

How Ambassadors Bring the Jefferson Community to Life

Beyond his personal connection to Jefferson, Dr. Rayfield holds a deep appreciation for the Class Ambassador role and the unique impact volunteers have within their classes. From celebrating milestones to sharing campus updates, Ambassadors help maintain bonds that span decades and strengthen the alumni experience. He also envisions new opportunities for the program as the community grows, offering insight into how Ambassadors can continue to support one another and future graduates.

What qualities make an effective Class Ambassador?

"I believe an effective Class Ambassador is someone who takes joy in communicating with their classmates, whether that's sharing what's happening on campus or celebrating life events like a new child, a new grandchild, or even seeing their own children or relatives become Jefferson alumni. It's equally important to acknowledge and thank classmates who choose to support Jefferson. Those gestures help strengthen relationships and foster a meaningful sense of community."

What has stood out to you about how Ambassadors have made a difference in their classes or cohorts?

"I've been especially impressed by how Ambassadors step up during important moments, such as class reunions and other milestone events. Their engagement in the annual Ambassador retreats, whether they attend in person or virtually, also makes a big impact. When Ambassadors bring that information and energy back to their classmates, it helps keep the entire community connected."

What opportunities do you see for expanding or enhancing the Ambassador experience?

"With class sizes having grown significantly over the past decade, I envision future graduating classes having three Class Ambassadors instead of one or two. These Ambassadors could be identified during their senior year, giving them an early start in the role. I also see a great opportunity for our current Ambassadors to help recruit and mentor new members of the program."

How do you hope the program evolves over the next few years?

"My hope is that Class Ambassadors feel empowered to actively share suggestions and new ideas with the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations teams. I'd also love to see more Ambassadors volunteer as mentors for medical students, and even recommend classmates who might be a great fit for the program. That kind of engagement will help the program grow in exciting ways."

Personal Insights and Extra

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

To round out our conversation, we asked Dr. Rayfield to share a few personal reflections and lesser-known facts, moments that reveal the humor, curiosity, and gratitude that shape his engagement with Jefferson. His responses highlight both his commitment to the Ambassador community and the experiences that have stayed with him throughout his career.

Do you have any advice for new Ambassadors looking to make an immediate impact?

"My biggest piece of advice is to stay engaged and ask questions. Attending the retreats, whether in person or virtually, and being curious about the speakers, programs, and fellow Ambassadors is one of the best ways to make an immediate impact."

What's one thing Ambassadors might be surprised to learn about you?

"People are often surprised to learn that I'm a practicing stand-up comic, and that I also collect bird and animal art, two interests that bring me a lot of joy. I've also had the privilege of serving as president of the Mt. Sinai Alumni Association, and earlier in my career, I conducted basic research into the viral etiology of diabetes in animal models."

Is there a favorite tradition or memory you'd like to share?

"A favorite memory of mine is reflecting on the professors whose lectures and mentorship left a lasting impact during my years at Jefferson. I think especially of Dr. Kenneth Goodner, Dr. John Hodges, and Dr. Gonzalo Aponte, remarkable educators who helped shape my experience as a student."

As our conversation with Dr. Rayfield comes to a close, his reflections highlight what makes the Ambassador community so meaningful: a shared commitment to connection, a deep pride in Jefferson, and a willingness to support one another and future generations of students. His experiences, past and present, remind us that the strength of this program comes from the people within it. We're grateful to Dr. Rayfield for sharing his perspective, and we look forward to featuring more voices and stories from across the Ambassador community.