A Successful Start for the MATCH Program

The MATCH (Matching Alumni To Caring Hoyas) program was on an immediate path to success when more than 125 School of Medicine alumni volunteered to mentor a class of 2009 graduate within hours of the program’s launch this past February. In total, 246 alumni would offer their time and advice to a graduate potentially moving to their city. Of the 189 graduates of M’09, 113 signed up to participate in the MATCH program. Those graduates are heading to 78 hospitals with residency programs in 44 different cities in 29 states. The alumni volunteers were wide ranging in age and background, representing classes M’55 – M’08, from 153 cities in 38 states.

Graduates and mentors all signed up through the online registration system on the Medical Alumni Web site. Introductory e-mails were sent to participants with the promise that each would be contacted again in the fall for feedback. Many grads received a MATCH mentor who shares their specialty and/or works in the same hospital. While some of the young doctors may be simply want to meet for coffee, or a make a phone call for advice, others may find a lasting connection that benefits their careers and enriches their lives.

A member of the Medical Alumni Board, Dr. John C. Riggs (C’81, M’85), originally proposed the MATCH concept, and is a long-time supporter of the program and a mentor in New York. “It was a great idea to use the Web site and e-mails to make the process easier for all parties,” he says. “I’m a MATCH mentor because we want to make sure Georgetown grads feel at home in their new cities while staying connected to their Georgetown roots.”

With this successful inauguration, MATCH aims to grow stronger in the years to come.

This project is supported by the Georgetown University Alumni Association and Alumni Career Services.

Read more about the MATCH program »