Every UV&Me Chapter Needs a Faculty Advisor

Serving as a UV&Me Faculty Advisor

Perhaps you’ve been asked to serve as Faculty Advisor for a UV&Me chapter. Or, perhaps you’ve heard about us and wish to recruit a few medical students to start a new chapter at your university. Either way, congratulations! And, we’re here in support.

In-service training of UV&Me med students by a dermatologist as chapter faculty advisor

Service-learning

At most medical schools, volunteer community service-learning is encouraged if not required. The UV&Me program provides med students with an excellent opportunity to fulfill this objective. However, because they will be representing their institution when they interface with the community, faculty oversight of their outside activities is obviously important toward upholding the university’s reputation for excellence. 

Med student aside projection screen delivering a presentation

Your specialty

Because of the subject matter, namely skin cancer prevention, most UV&Me Faculty Advisors will hold a position in the Department of Dermatology. But certainly any faculty member with a strong interest in skin cancer prevention, and eligibility in accordance with the university’s Student Organization guidelines, is welcome to serve.

Group of physicians representing different specialties in AI generated image

Participation

Minimum recommended involvement would include the Faculty Advisor attending one introductory chapter (club) meeting around the start of the academic year. This could be the “in-service” training session where the med student volunteers learn the basics about solar radiation, mutagenesis, skin cancer types, ocular damage, skin cancer prevention techniques, and vitamin D. These topics are covered, with Speaker’s Notes, in a PowerPoint presentation available in our Resource Library. To gain access, contact your chapter president, or Contact Us.

Prior to members visiting a school or giving a webinar, you might elect to review their presentation and offer tips. 

When the med students deliver an in-person classroom or childrens group presentation the school teacher or adult group leader should always be present. Yet, this activity might be considered “working with minors.” A Faculty Advisor should ensure than any specific university protocols pertaining to work with minors are understood and followed.

Throughout the year random questions or issues might arise that would benefit from your advice, so the club officer(s) should have your contact info.

Beyond these basics, each chapter and its advisor will work out their own level of interest and comfort in scheduling any additional activities.

Medical students in a group study session
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