OSU Medical Alumni Society
HOST Program
Students Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I use the HOST program? Please limit the use of the program to three times this year, so as many students are accommodated as possible.
Is my spouse able to stay with me? This should be arranged on a case by case basis. Many hosts welcome spouses so be sure to indicate your request on the student registration form.
Can I stay with a host for more than one day? Absolutely. Some alumni have agreed to two days visits. This should be arranged on a case by case basis.
Who are the HOST volunteers? All hosts are OSU College of Medicine and/or residency alumni.
Where are HOSTs available? In its first year as a pilot program, host families are in the six cities that our students travel to most often – New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Houston and Los Angeles. As the program expands in the coming years, hosts will be recruited in (hopefully) any and all cities that OSU students travel.
What can I expect from the HOST? Alumni hosts are asked to provide anything from overnight accommodations in their home, to transportation to and from the interviews and airport, home cooked meals, guided tours of the area, and invaluable insights on the regional medical community – these are bonuses and should be treated as gifts.
How do I sign up for the HOST program? First, complete and submit online the Student Registration Form which can be found on the alumni website. Alumni Office staff will then contact alumni in your particular interview area to find an available host during your visit. Staff will do their best to match you with someone who is in the same specialty in which you are interviewing, if possible.
Do I contact the alumni host? Once the host is identified, you will receive contact information about your potential host. It is up to you to call or e-mail your host to share the details of your travel and interview plans, and to arrange your stay.
How far in advance should I contact my HOST? Contact your host as soon as you receive their contact information. Provide him/her with your cell phone/e-mail contact information. It is also a good idea to re-contact your host prior to your visit.
What do I do if my travel or interview plans change or get cancelled? Contact your host as soon as possible to let them know about the change in plans. Also, please inform the Medical Center Alumni Affairs office (614)292-5671 or michael.basford@osumc.edu of the changes.
Do I need to do anything after returning from my visit? Yes. All students are asked to send a thank you note to the alumnus who hosted your stay as soon as possible after your trip, to show your gratitude for their hospitality. Please take a photo of you and your host to submit to the Alumni Office upon your return so that it can be put on the Alumni Office website to promote further host families. Also, you will receive a brief online evaluation after each host visit so that feedback can be used to improve the program as it evolves.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the HOST program? Please contact the Medical Alumni Affairs Office at (614)292-5671 or medalum@osumc.edu