MedConnect: Information for Students
Connecting alumni with current students at the UVA School of Medicine is the goal of MedConnect, a program developed by the UVA Medical Alumni Association. The program includes three avenues for connecting with alumni:
- MedTalk: in-person and virtual events featuring alumni speakers
- MedShare: year-long mentorship relationships between alumni and students
- MedAsk: short term connections for alumni to answer student questions about residency programs or potential employers, share career insights and more
Not a student? Find information about alumni participation in MedConnect here.
What’s Involved
Learn more about participating in our MedConnect programs as a student.
MedTalk is an in-person or virtual event open to students. These talks provide students with opportunities to learn about a specific area of interest through a single speaker or panel presentation. Past examples include:
- Intro to Residency
- Women in Medicine
- Specialty-specific sessions
- Business of Medicine
MedTalk events take place over Zoom or in person in Charlottesville or at the Inova campus in Fairfax.
Formerly known as the Student-Alumni Mentor Program, MedShare is open to alumni mentors and current students who are seeking long-term (1+ year) connection. Alumni are encouraged to share their insights and experiences, as well as openly discuss the questions and concerns of the student mentee.
The program is cyclical with the calendar, beginning with registration in January and ending in December. This timeline allows students to have access to more than one mentor throughout their time at UVA or to deepen a connection with a singular mentor. The pair will receive check in emails throughout the year, but the relationship is completely customizable. Schedules, guidelines, and expectations of both mentor and mentee should be set during the first meeting.
Registration and matching for the 2025 Season will launch in January 2025.
Formerly known as the Virtual Host Program, MedAsk is geared toward M3 and M4s who seek alumni to ask questions to about specific residency programs, specialties or career paths and alumni looking for short-term connections with multiple students.
Students submit their request(s) to the UVA Medical Alumni Association and will be connected with alumni participants in that field or residency program. Once connected, the pair can have a phone call, Facetime, text or email exchange.
This program is set up to be a short-term connection with a long-term impact. Students gain insight from alumni sharing their experiences, which empowers students with knowledge to make decisions on their residency and future career paths.
Register
Students
- MedShare (formerly Student-Alumni Mentoring Program): Registration for our MedShare program will launch in January 2025.
- MedAsk (formerly Virtual Host Program): Register now for Fall 2024/Winter 2025.
Alumni: Ready to volunteer? Please visit our MedConnect: Alumni Opportunities page.
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