medicine has lost its joy, that it’s more of a business, but it will be what you want it to be. I think that’s why we like to talk to students—to share that joy.” Their passion for mentoring students is evident, but Steve and Jenifer also see the value in being active members of the alumni association. Steve served as class chair for his 20th reunion and is president of the Georgetown Clinical Society, a nonprofit that encourages fellowship and awards a scholarship to a deserving medical school student each year. Society members also engage students in meetings or outings, providing a chance for students to network with other professionals. Jenifer, on the other hand, is assisting from a different perspective. At her 15th reunion, she noticed how many classmates—especially women—had opted out of medical careers. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, approximately 50 percent of medical students today are women. But Jenifer was interested in uncovering a way to address the reasons underlying the high attrition she observed. She brought her concerns to Stephen Ray Mitchell, M.D., dean for medical education. “Other alumnae noticed the attrition rates, but many were reluctant to discuss it,” Jenifer said. “We felt the topic needed to come out of the closet. As scientists, we appreciate hard data rather than anecdotal evidence.”
“Every medical student remembers the thrill of slipping into their white coat for the first time. Being part of the ceremony, reciting the Hippocratic oath again, served to remind us of how fortunate we are to have had the careers we’ve had and to have been educated at Georgetown.” —Jenifer Aventuro Luck
Jenifer and Mitchell decided that a survey was “a good starting point” to begin collecting data. Both male and female medical alumni have been emailed the survey and Jenifer is hoping for a high response rate to begin a conversation on ways the school can retain more graduates in medical careers. She hopes the survey results will provide the basis for a conversation that can begin early with medical students. Jenifer explains that in their first year of medical school, students are committing to financial decisions and career paths that will have long-term effects on their lives. More than just understanding the reasons behind high attrition, it’s important to discuss what comes after graduation at the start of a medical student’s career, she believes. Remaining connected to the university through the students and being able to give back some of what they received continues to be a “great source of satisfaction,” both say. And whether they’re hosting students in their home, attending medical school reunions, or conducting surveys to uncover the reasons behind certain trends seen in medicine, Steve and Jenifer look forward to a continued relationship with Georgetown through mentoring, volunteering and participating in alumni activities. ■
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