The Host Our Student as they Travel (HOST) Program, a resource that has allowed alumni to help offset the financial burden of traveling for interviews by offering medical students and Penn Medicine residents free housing, meals, and transportation in the vicinity of their interview sites, has been integrated into Mentorship+. Most residency programs now offer virtual interviews, so fewer students have needed travel assistance over the past few years. However, we wanted to preserve the option for alumni to serve as hosts for students and trainees who choose to travel for residency or fellowship interviews, second looks, or conferences. When filling out their profiles, Mentors will now be able to opt in to host or provide resources to a student or resident who is traveling. Mentors will also include information in their profile such as accommodations they are willing to provide, nearest hospitals, hospital affiliations, pets in their home and preferences on spouses/partners staying in their home to help you decide with whom to connect.
Mentees interested in staying with a Mentor that is willing to host should reach out at least 2-3 weeks in advance of their visit to allow Mentors enough time to check their schedules and prepare for your stay. Mentees should include the following details in their outreach to a Mentor:
- Reason for travel
- Dates of travel
- Will your spouse/partner be accompanying you?
- Share any pet allergies
- Other information you find necessary