Jefferson InterProfessional Education Center (JCIPE)
Health Mentors Program

 
 

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Student's Experience

"This visit proved to my team that sometimes patients can teach us more than we, as healthcare professionals, can teach them. Our Health Mentor humbled each member of my group, granting us the chance to see each other as real people and not just "med", "PT", or "nursing" students. Listening to her stories, I became aware that although each member of my group represents a different discipline in healthcare, the ability to provide [patients] with "care" is far more important. Care is the action of our profession that we must ALL provide."
 --Physical Therapy Student

What is the Health Mentors Program?

This is an opportunity for students from the Jefferson Medical College, and the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Health Professions (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and couples and family therapy) to learn FIRST HAND from a patient about things that really matter to patients living with health conditions and/or impairments.

More FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering as a Health Mentor gives you the opportunity to help teach students how various health professional roles complement 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

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: CCT-Paratransit, tokens or parking passes). You can let us know which of the following days work best for you:

Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 dates are pending.

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 Health 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 bi-annual 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.

Program Contacts

If you would like to apply to become a Health Mentor, or just get more information, you can email or call:

Apply to become a Health Mentor

Newsletters

Community Partners

Interested in becoming a Community Partner? Contact us to learn how your organization can participate in the Health Mentors Program.

For Educators

We are delighted to share our educational resources with you. For more information, contact Sokha Koeuth and/or Dr. Laurie Collins.

For Jefferson Students

Health Mentors Program details and team assignments are posted to Blackboard.