Frequently Asked Questions

What are the patient requirements?

Patients must receive continuing medical care through the UVA Health System and are approved by their primary care doctor. Patients must live within a 45 minute drive to Charlottesville and agree to meet with their students in person, by telephone or email at least once a month. Patients also agree to one home visit by the student and mentor physician one time each year. We hope that our patients will commit to being in the program throughout the student’s four years of medical school, but patients are free to leave the program at any time.

What is the time commitment?

Time commitment can vary based on the patient’s need. We hope that patients will invite their students to doctor’s appointments and keep in touch with them by phone or email on a regular basis.

How will I be a partner to my student?

Patients partners allow students to accompany them to their primary care and specialist appointments.  Patients invite their students to one in home visit each year. And, as in all good partnerships, patients communicate with their students.

How can a student doctor help me?

Your student can help you access resources, organize your medications, coach behavior change for improving your health, and relay your needs to the health care team.

How can I get involved?

Talk to your primary care physician about joining the Patient Student Partnership. For more information, you can also email our coordinator, Rachel Smith, at medpsp@uvahealth.org or call (434) 924-8100.