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Student's Experience
We were lucky enough to have an amazing mentor who was a pleasure to interact with. He is a genuine person who has an interesting health history as well as health-care opinions. He is a good mentor for our group because he is easy to schedule an appointment with on campus, is always prepared and aware of what the goals of the program are, and seems to enjoy spending time with us- allowing him to get something out of the program as well. He has included us in his life by updating us on his family regularly, taking us out to dinner, and even giving us each a picture of his dog. He is a special person to each of us, and we consider ourselves very lucky to be able to call him our health mentor.
--Medical Student
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What is the Health Mentors Program?
This is an opportunity for Jefferson students from the Medical College, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Health Professions (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and couples and family therapy) and the College of Graduate Students (public health) to learn FIRST HAND from a patient about things that really matter to patients living with chronic conditions.
More FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteering as a Health Mentor gives you the opportunity to help teach students how various health professional roles compliment one another in relation to patient-centered care. As a health mentor, you can:
- Have flexible options
- Develop meaningful relationships with students at Jefferson
- Share your experiences with others
- Read about other mentors and teams of students
- Play a role in training future health professionals
Interested in participating?
Yes
I would like to be a mentor. Let me tell you about myself.
Maybe
I would like to know more information about meeting times and travel reimbursements.
Unsure
I would like to know more about the positive impact I can make by being a mentor.
Being a Health Mentor
"After 50 years of navigating the medical maze as a patient I realized that I had never taken the time to really think about what I thought worked and what needed fixing. And here I was with the opportunity to do it with some folks that one day will have a chance to do something about it!!!! Very cool."
-Kenneth Perry, Health Mentor
Flexibility
The Health Mentors Program staff realizes that you have many things going on in your lives. During the first year of the program, the meetings will be pre-scheduled by Health Mentors Program Staff based on your availability from 12-2pm at Thomas Jefferson University (we will reimburse for travel: tokens or parking passes). You can let us know which of the following days work best for you:
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Meeting 1:
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Oct. 26, 2009
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Nov. 2, 2009
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Nov. 16, 2009
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Meeting 2:
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Mar. 8, 2010
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Mar. 15, 2010
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Apr. 5, 2010
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Apr. 12, 2010
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During the second year of the program, you will be able to schedule the meeting dates and times that is convenient for YOU. You can meet with your students at a senior center, at Thomas Jefferson University or at a public/community space - it's your choice!
Developing Relationships
As a mentor, you will develop a bond with a team of 4-5 Jefferson students.
Sharing Experiences
You will tell students about events in your life, about your health history, about what health insurance does and does not pay for, and what makes a good health professional. Health Mentors will never have to answer questions that they aren't comfortable with.
Reading Other Teams' Stories
As a mentor, you will receive quarterly newsletters in the mail about upcoming program activities. Health Mentors and students have an opportunity to share their stories in these newsletters.
Educating Future Health Professionals
Students will learn about patient-centered care. Health mentors will provide students with a rich understanding of the role of health, and healthcare, in their lives. You will allow students to realize how each profession is a valuable member of the healthcare team. Students will "give back" to their mentors by applying these lessons as they care for patients in the future.
Faculty Advisors
Dr. Christine Arenson, Dr. Cecelia Borden, Dr. Lauren Collins, Leigh Ann Hewston, Stephen Kern, Dr. Susan Rattner, Dr. Molly Rose, Dr. Rob Simmons, Dr. Elena Umland and Reena Antony
Program Contacts
If you would like to apply to become a Health Mentor, or just get more information, you can call:
- Reena Antony: 215-955-3757
- Dr. Lauren Collins: 215-955-2764
Apply to become a Health Mentor
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