Student-
Alumni Informational Discussions (SAID)
Through SAID, alumni host a small group of students in person or over Zoom for lively conversations about professional practice, career transitions, work-life balance and whatever else is on students’ minds. SAID Sessions take place October through December, and we offer two tracks:
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MD Students + MD Alumni
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MEDEX Northwest Students + MEDEX Northwest Alumni — newly launching for Fall 2025!
The students are always engaged and grateful for the candid conversation and the connection we make. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.
— Host Jane Lester, M.D., ’86, Res. ’90
How It Works
Alumni
Alumni registration takes place throughout the month of August. When registering to host a SAID session, alumni will specify a date, time, and location, and the number of students they’re comfortable having in their group. Alumni will also select which topics they’re comfortable speaking to during the session, and provide a brief bio. You are also welcome to invite fellow alumni to co-host your session, and will include their information when submitting your registration.
For in-person sessions, we ask that you host within 30 minutes of a WWAMI campus (for MD alumni) or MEDEX Northwest campus (for PA alumni). If you are within the WWAMI region but outside 30 minutes from a campus we can work to identify students who may be in the area for clerkship.
Some alumni choose to provide or cover the cost of a meal during their SAID Session–this is a welcome gesture, much appreciated by students, but is not an expectation.
Students
Student Registration opens mid-September. Students will be able to filter and browse all available sessions and register for any that may be of interest. Upon registering, students will receive confirmation and instructions for calendar holds. Students will receive an additional email 2 weeks prior to each session with the contact information for the alumni host, as well as the session location details (address/Zoom link).
If you have questions, please contact us at medalum@uw.edu or 206.685.1875.
I gained so much in terms of really solidifying the type of provider I want to be, and how I want to live my life. It was so refreshing to hear alumni speak about prioritizing happiness and well-being.
— 2024 SAID Participant
MD Student Registration
Student registration opens annually in September
MEDEX Student Registration
Student registration opens annually in September
UW School of Medicine Alumni Association Disclaimer:
Alumni participating in Student-Alumni Informational Discussions (SAID) are independent volunteers who have offered to share their personal experiences and perspectives. They do not represent or speak on behalf of the University of Washington School of Medicine. The University does not endorse or guarantee the advice, opinions, or information provided by these individuals. Participants are encouraged to exercise their own discretion and judgment when engaging with alumni through this program.