Frequently Asked Questions
Alumni FAQs
How has the program been changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Given COVID-19 restrictions, students will be completing their residency interviews online this year. While we may traditionally ask our Alumni Host Program volunteers to provide a meal, ride to the airport, or overnight stay in your homes, this year’s program will all be conducted virtually. With students unable to visit the geographic regions or hospitals where they’ll be interviewing, alumni will be able to provide invaluable insight into your region, hospitals and health systems in your area, and specialties.
How many times can I host a student?
You are welcome to host a student (or multiple students) as often as your schedule allows.
During what time of year will the visits take place?
If matched with a fourth-year student, residency interviews occur during the months of November through February.
If matched with a third-year student, meetings will take place during the months of January through March.
Where are hosts needed?
We hope to secure hosts across the nation to accommodate our students.
What will students expect from the host?
Students will expect an opportunity to connect with an alumni host and gain invaluable insights on the local medical community. As an alumni host, you can offer the benefit of your own experiences, providing an insider’s view of the medical profession, your specialty, and the area in which you live or practice.
If you are matched with a student seeking a host, you may decide to do one or more of the following:
- Counsel the student (over the phone, Zoom, Facetime, Skype, email, etc.) who may have questions about the residency program or the community where he or she is interviewing
- Provide feedback on students' pre-recorded practice residency interviews
Why do alumni join?
Alumni benefit by knowing they are assisting tomorrow’s physicians with important decisions on their clinical training and with easing some of the anxieties surrounding residency interviews. As a host, you also have the unique opportunity to learn firsthand from a student about the new endeavors at Jefferson.
How do I sign up to be a host?
Complete and submit the online Alumni Volunteer Interest Form. An Alumni Relations staff member will then contact you if we have a student match. Please note that, while we strive to match as many alumni volunteer hosts with students as we can, we cannot guarantee that all volunteers will be contacted with a match.
Should I contact the student I am matched with?
Once you’ve been matched with a student, your contact information will be shared with him or her. Alumni Relations will then provide an introductory email. It is up to the student to follow up with you to arrange a virtual meeting.
How far in advance will I be contacted?
Students are asked to contact their respective host as soon as they receive the contact information to begin coordinating plans. Be sure to exchange cell phone and/or email contact information.
What happens if interview plans change or get cancelled?
The student that you are matched with will contact you as soon as possible to let you know about any changes in interview plans.
Do I need to do anything after the visit is over?
Yes, please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@jefferson.edu or 215-955-7750 to let us know the session took place and to share any feedback. All information is appreciated that way we can use to improve further host connections.
You are also welcome to keep in touch with the student you hosted if he or she has any follow-up questions.