Jeff Alumni Chats
Connecting First- and Second-Year SKMC Students with Alumni!
After receiving feedback from students requesting to grow their networks, the SKMC Alumni Association invites alumni and current first- and second-year medical students to participate in the pilot of Jeff Alumni Chats in the fall of 2021!
How does the program work?
- Alumni and current SKMC students who sign up for the program are matched for one-on-one, informal conversations that take place either in person over coffee, tea, or snacks; on the phone; or through a virtual platform (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, etc.).
- The two will connect and must have their first chat in November 2021, with both participants having the option to conclude their conversation after the first meeting or continue to meet for additional chats.
- Up to 3 chats may be held from November–January.
- Conversations may revolve around any topics related to medical education and careers, which may include but are not limited to the following:
- Specialty choice
- Residency advice
- Work-life balance
- Medical school advice
- Students will first receive their match and be expected to set up a meeting with the alumnus/a during the month of November.
- The Alumni Relations Office will follow up with participants to request their feedback on the pilot of this new program and help refine it for future participants.
Space in the Fall 2021 program pilot is limited. Sign up today to reserve your spot!
How do alumni participate?
Simply complete the Volunteer Interest Form, and we will make sure to record your information. We will then reach out to you if and when a match is needed, and provide further instruction.
How do students participate?
Taking part in the Jeff Alumni Chats program is easy! Follow the steps below:
- Fill out and submit the Student Participant Registration form. The Office of Alumni Relations will work quickly to try to match you with an alumnus/a to begin your connection.
- You’ll be notified when a match has been made and given their contact information. Alumni Relations will then provide an introductory email. Promptly follow up with the alumnus/a to coordinate and schedule your first chat either virtually (i.e. by phone, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.) or in person. Once your first chat is scheduled, be sure to contact the alumnus/a at least 24 hours in advance to confirm your plans, and notify them as early as possible if your plans change and you need to reschedule.
- During your chat, whether it is virtual or in person, be gracious and respectful. Get to know your match, ask them questions about the region they live, hospital they work, or specialty they practice in. Share your experiences. And most importantly, enjoy your chat! If after your 30-minute chat you’d like to continue the conversation, check with the alumnus/a to see if they have additional time to continue the conversation or set up another 30-minute chat for another date in November.
- Once your first chat is complete, follow up with a thank you note to your match. Please also let the Alumni Office know the session has been completed and share any feedback so we can continue to improve.
For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@jefferson.edu or (215) 955-7750.