Do you remember the day the letter came announcing your acceptance to medical school?

Do you remember those days in the anatomy lab and your partners? Where are they now?

Do you know what's happening on the campus where you first developed your skills as a doctor?

Why am I asking all these questions?

I'm hoping to stimulate your interest in enhancing your participation in your medical school's alumni association--not only as a dues payer, but also as someone who can help with everything from advising and mentoring to being an educator. The assistance you provide to tomorrow's colleagues will make a difference.

Since graduating, I have made it a priority to be involved at my alma mater to express gratitude for the knowledge I gained during my medical education and for the ability to pursue a gratifying career. How about you? This year, as president of the Chicago Medical School Alumni Association, I have been enriched by my experiences with students and fellow alumni. Sharing these moments may inspire you to get involved in your local and national chapters.

About People
Why should you spend time with fellow alums? Because you never know what great people you will connect with through the association. I learned that lesson when I encountered Ronald Bangasser, MD.

I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Bangasser at a medical society meeting and was pleased to find that he was an alumnus of my medical school. Working together on the Board of Governors for the alumni association, I witnessed his outstanding administrative and interpersonal skills. In 2004, it was my honor to hand Dr. Bangasser the Distinguished Alumnus Award from our medical school.

In May, we all lost this wonderful and well-recognized physician to a battle with cancer. I will remember him not only for what he did for physicians when he was president of the California Medical Association, but also for his service on the board of our medical school alumni association. The friendship and memories are with me now.

Today, I continue to make the acquaintance of many other excellent physicians across the country. Getting to know people through the alumni association gives us an immediate shared history.

About Legacy
Why should you call the alumni office of your medical school to update your information, pay your dues and make reservations to attend the homecoming celebration?

Because one day, those students you touch through your participation will be colleagues and maybe they will be better off because you got involved. Passion for our careers in medicine is something that most of us still share, and expressing that to the next generation is important.

In our organization, we have developed several programs that are widely appealing and ready for use in your association. Think about offering to launch or participate in similar committees or groups.

Alumni Interest Groups: Physicians in all specialties volunteer to act as resources for students interested in their fields.

Alumni Scholarship Committee: This group gathers funding so that students can be awarded scholarships to defray the high costs of medical education.

Alumni Homecoming Committee: Physicians coordinate class gatherings and social events to keep alumni association participation fun.

Alumni Publication Committee: This group facilitates ongoing communication among graduates via printed and electronic publications.

Alumni Educational Events Committee: Physicians develop meetings and gatherings for education, such as CME courses.

Alumni Lecture Series: Volunteer lecturers from the alumni association return to the medical school to share their expertise and experiences with the faculty, medical students and other alumni.

Alumni Awards Committee: This group creates a recognition program for accomplished medical school graduates, as well as students who have excelled during their undergraduate studies.

Don't let more time go by without checking out your alumni association and reuniting with fellow classmates. In organized medicine, we always need leaders and members. I urge you to be a leader in this cause. The next generation of physicians needs your help. Sign up to be an active alumnus in medicine.

Robert J. Rogers, MD, FACP, is an anesthesiologist and internist in West Los Angeles. He is a life member of the University of Washington Alumni Association, UCLA Alumni Association, and is presently the national president of the alumni association for Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine and Sciences/Chicago Medical School. He can be reached at drbob430@yahoo.com.