Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I have to have a chronic illness to participate in Doctoring Families?

A. Yes. We're looking for individuals who have a chronic illness or medical condition that has a major impact on their daily life and are willing and able to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with medical students.

Q2. What's my commitment to Doctoring Families?

A. There are three (3) visits over the course of a year. The first visit is the welcome reception in August. The following two visits take place in your home and last about 1-2 hours. Students have approximately a six-week window to find a time that works with both your schedules for each visit. In addition, we ask students to attend one clinic visit with you between September - June.

Q3. Will I be compensated for my time?

A. Not monetarily. Our volunteer families receive satisfaction from influencing the training of tomorrow's doctors in a deep and significant way. At the beginning of the program, we hold a formal reception to thank the volunteers and their families for this commitment.

Q4. Do I have to have a traditional family to qualify for the program?

A. No. The term "family" is very broadly defined as a group of people on whom one depends for emotional or other support. We are deeply committed to diversity among the volunteers who teach our students. We can all learn from the mixture of voices and experiences that come from our community.

Q5. When the students are in my home, do I need to serve them refreshments or dinner?

A. Not necessary. Your willingness to talk to your students about deeply personal things is a gift. Some families invite students to share a meal; however, it is not expected and you are under absolutely no obligation to do so. If you do share a meal, please do not include alcohol.

Q6. Can the students give me or my family medical care?

A. No. We ask that you keep medical questions for the team treating you and not your medical students as they are very early in their training. They are not yet qualified to provide any medical advice or medical care.

Q7. Why does a Volunteer Family need to live within 30 miles of Ann Arbor?

A. Students need to be able to get to you for a visit and back to campus in a reasonable period of time for other classes and coursework.

Q8. Will you need to see my medical records?

A. No- Students will not have access to your medical records because we want your story to come from you.

Q9. How will students use the information we discuss?

A. The students will discuss and explore their thoughts and insights in small groups led by a skilled clinician-instructor. Great efforts are made to preserve confidentiality, within and outside of the small groups. In fact, understanding the importance of confidentiality related to medical care is a primary goal for our medical students.

Q10. Why does a volunteer family need to complete a criminal background records check?

A. We are committed to the safety, and welfare of all individuals participating in our program. Therefore, both students and volunteers are required to submit a criminal background check authorization.