Career “Speed Dating” for Medical Students, Alumni

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 8, 2010) − A lot can happen in 10 minutes. For University of Kentucky College of Medicine students, 10 minutes could have impacted their entire future as they "career speed date" with alumni this past Saturday at the University of Kentucky Hilary J. Boone Center.

“Career speed dating is a new concept that is making its way around college campuses,” said UK Medical Alumni Association President Michael Rankin. "We are very excited to have hosted ‘Career Chats with Alumni,’ again this year. It brings UK College of Medicine alumni and students together in a creative and meaningful way, to help students determine a career path and present alumni with the opportunity to serve their alma mater.”

The goal of the program is to give students a greater understanding of specialties in the medical field and the lifestyles associated with each. Students are given 10 minutes at each table, specified by the specialty of the alumni. After the 10-minute mark, students have six opportunities to stay and chat or leave and talk to other alumni with different specialties.

“We are grateful for our alumni and for their willingness to volunteer their time to mentor our medical students,” said Dr. Jay Perman, dean of the UK College of Medicine and vice president for clinical affairs. “Career Chats is a dynamic event that brings together current and future physicians. It is an incredible tool for students to learn more about their chosen profession.”