Illinois Medicine

the ambassador network by Michael Wesbecher ENGAGED ALUMNI AMBASS COM Ambassador Network offers range of opportunities to Last year, the COM launched the Ambassador Network to provide a pathway for alumni engagement. Giving back to the College of Medicine can take many forms. Individuals can give of their time, expertise, or network connections, or through philanthropic contributions. The Ambassador Network has designed a framework for members of the Illinois Medicine community about the available volunteer opportunities that support the mission and activities of the COM. Supporting the mission of our inspired medical education, innovative research program and insightful patient care is important as we continue to ignite a new future in medicine in the coming years. Individuals have given their time in support of departmental initiatives, lent their expertise as career mentors for current medical students, hosted students who travel to their locales for residency interviews, and helped to interview the next generation of medical students as they go through the admissions process. We encourage members of the Illinois Medicine community to get involved and stay connected, as the enthusiasm and support of our alumni and friends help to promote a sense of community and pride in the work that happens here. Reunion Class Volunteers Are you celebrating a reunion year soon? We're already planning for the 2018 and 2019 College of Medicine Reunions. If your graduation year ends in an 8, 3, 9 or 4, we want to hear from you. You can help us connect with lost classmates, plan your reunion celebration or reach out to classmates and let them know that you're returning to campus for the celebration. HOST Program Volunteers The HOST Program (Help Our Students Travel — see volunteer profile on facing page) is committed to helping match fourth-year medical students with alumni from across the United States as these students travel for residency placement interviews. Our alumni volunteers provide students with a place to stay during the interview process as well as additional advice about the community and, if possible, the organization with which the student is interviewing. Even if you are unable to host a student in your home, there are options to meet students for dinner or provide guidance and counsel from afar via phone or email correspondence. For more information, email comHOST@uic.edu. 32 | S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 Get involved with the COM Ambassador Network today! There are several possibilities:

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